Contradiction with Proverbs 12:18
Proverbs 12:18 talks about the healing power of a wise tongue, suggesting some hurtful wounds can be unnecessary, contradicting Proverbs 27:6’s idea of faithful reproof.
Proverbs 12:18: There is that speaketh like the piercings of a sword: but the tongue of the wise [is] health.
Contradiction with Proverbs 27:17
This verse highlights how sharpening one another involves mutual improvement, while Proverbs 27:6 focuses on the pain from a friend’s wounds.
Proverbs 27:17: Iron sharpeneth iron; so a man sharpeneth the countenance of his friend.
Contradiction with Ephesians 4:29
Ephesians 4:29 advises against corrupt communication, contradicting Proverbs 27:6 by implying all negative words are harmful.
Ephesians 4:29: Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers. [to...: or, to edify profitably]
Contradiction with James 3:10
This verse denounces both blessings and curses coming from the same mouth, challenging Proverbs 27:6 where wounding words are seen positively from friends.
James 3:10: Out of the same mouth proceedeth blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not so to be.
Contradiction with 1 Thessalonians 5:11
Encouragement is emphasized as a primary communication form, differing from Proverbs 27:6's acceptance of wounding in friendship.
1 Thessalonians 5:11: Wherefore comfort yourselves together, and edify one another, even as also ye do. [comfort: or, exhort]
Paradox #1
The contradiction or inconsistency might be that while this verse suggests that true friends can give harsh but helpful criticism, some might argue that not all criticism, even from friends, is beneficial or delivered with the right intentions. Additionally, figuring out who is a true friend and when criticism is constructive versus harmful can be subjective and challenging.