Contradiction with Romans 2:6
Proverbs 26:10 suggests divine randomness in reward and punishment, whereas Romans 2:6 states that God will render to every man according to his deeds, implying justice based on individual actions.
Romans 2:6: Who will render to every man according to his deeds:
Contradiction with Galatians 6:7
Proverbs 26:10 implies an arbitrary nature to divine rewards, but Galatians 6:7 emphasizes that a man reaps what he sows, suggesting a direct correlation between actions and consequences.
Galatians 6:7: Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.
Contradiction with 1 Corinthians 14:33
Proverbs 26:10 alludes to divine unpredictability, while 1 Corinthians 14:33 says God is not the author of confusion, reinforcing order over randomness.
1 Corinthians 14:33: For God is not [the author] of confusion, but of peace, as in all churches of the saints. [confusion: Gr. tumult, or, unquietness]
Contradiction with 2 Corinthians 5:10
Proverbs 26:10 conveys the element of chance in God's actions, contrasting 2 Corinthians 5:10, which asserts that everyone may receive according to what they have done, good or bad.
2 Corinthians 5:10: For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things [done] in [his] body, according to that he hath done, whether [it be] good or bad.
Contradiction with Psalm 62:12
Proverbs 26:10 indicates the potential for indiscriminate divine response, whereas Psalm 62:12 affirms that God recompenses each person according to their work, highlighting a methodical and just system.
Psalm 62:12: Also unto thee, O Lord, [belongeth] mercy: for thou renderest to every man according to his work.
Paradox #1
The verse can be seen as inconsistent because different translations render it differently, leading to confusion about its meaning. Some translations suggest that a fool is capable of causing great harm or that employing fools is as random as shooting arrows, while others imply that God or fate is at play in rewarding both the fool and the transgressor. This inconsistency in translations can create difficulties in understanding the intended message of the verse.
Paradox #2
Proverbs 26:10 has different translations that can vary significantly, which can lead to confusion about its meaning. Some versions suggest the verse talks about a skilled archer who wounds everyone indiscriminately, while others talk about hiring a fool or a passerby. This inconsistency in translation can lead to different interpretations, causing debates among scholars and readers about its intended message.
Paradox #3
Proverbs 26:10 might be seen as contradictory or inconsistent because it appears to suggest that both fools and those who hire fools are equally harmed, which can be confusing. It raises questions about accountability and fairness, particularly about whether the person hiring is as responsible for foolish actions as the fool themselves. This could be puzzling for readers trying to understand who is morally at fault.