Contradiction with Ecclesiastes 7:1
Suggests that the day of one's death is better than the day of one's birth, implying the importance of end life events over a good name.
Ecclesiastes 7:1: A good name [is] better than precious ointment; and the day of death than the day of one's birth.
Contradiction with Luke 6:26
Warns against people speaking well of you, implying that a good reputation may not always be desirable.
Luke 6:26: Woe unto you, when all men shall speak well of you! for so did their fathers to the false prophets.
Contradiction with Matthew 23:27
Highlights that outward appearances can be deceiving, implying a good name might not always reflect true value.
Matthew 23:27: Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye are like unto whited sepulchres, which indeed appear beautiful outward, but are within full of dead [men's] bones, and of all uncleanness.
Contradiction with John 12:43
Points out the preference some have for human praise over God's praise, suggesting that seeking a good name may be misguided.
John 12:43: For they loved the praise of men more than the praise of God.
Contradiction with 1 Samuel 16:7
States that God looks at the heart rather than outward appearances, implying that a good name might not hold true value in God's eyes.
1 Samuel 16:7: But the LORD said unto Samuel, Look not on his countenance, or on the height of his stature; because I have refused him: for [the LORD seeth] not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the LORD looketh on the heart. [outward...: Heb. eyes]
Paradox #1
The contradiction could be that focusing too much on having a good reputation might lead someone to neglect genuine kindness or honesty, simply because they are trying to be well-liked or admired by others. Thus, the emphasis might shift from being truly virtuous to just appearing so.