Contradiction with Psalm 104:15
It states that wine is given by God to make man's heart glad, implying a positive aspect to wine consumption, whereas Proverbs 23:31 advises against looking at wine.
Psalm 104:15: And wine [that] maketh glad the heart of man, [and] oil to make [his] face to shine, and bread [which] strengtheneth man's heart. [oil...: Heb. to make his face shine with oil, or, more than oil]
Contradiction with 1 Timothy 5:23
Paul advises Timothy to drink a little wine for his stomach's sake, suggesting a beneficial use, contrary to the caution in Proverbs 23:31.
1 Timothy 5:23: Drink no longer water, but use a little wine for thy stomach's sake and thine often infirmities.
Contradiction with Ecclesiastes 9:7
Encourages enjoyment of wine with a merry heart as a blessing from God, contrasting with the warning in Proverbs 23:31.
Ecclesiastes 9:7: Go thy way, eat thy bread with joy, and drink thy wine with a merry heart; for God now accepteth thy works.
Contradiction with John 2:7-10
Jesus turns water into wine at a wedding, which is presented as a miraculous and positive event, differing from the cautionary nature of Proverbs 23:31.
John 2:7-10: Jesus saith unto them, Fill the waterpots with water. And they filled them up to the brim.
Contradiction with Numbers 15:5
Includes wine as part of offerings to God, indicating it is not inherently negative, unlike the warning in Proverbs 23:31.
Numbers 15:5: And the fourth [part] of an hin of wine for a drink offering shalt thou prepare with the burnt offering or sacrifice, for one lamb.
Paradox #1
Some people might see a contradiction because other parts of the Bible describe wine as a gift from God and something that can be enjoyed in moderation. In this verse, however, there’s a strong warning against looking at wine, which might seem inconsistent with more positive mentions elsewhere.
Paradox #2
The potential contradiction or inconsistency with Proverbs 23:31 might relate to differing views on alcohol consumption found in the Bible. Some passages suggest moderation or abstention, while others describe positive or neutral uses of alcohol, leading to varied interpretations among different Christian traditions about whether or how alcohol should be consumed.
Paradox #3
This verse advises against indulging in alcohol, focusing on its negative effects. The contradiction could arise if elsewhere in religious or cultural contexts, moderate drinking is sometimes depicted as acceptable or even encouraged, like in ceremonies or celebrations. This could create inconsistency in how followers interpret guidance on alcohol consumption.