Contradiction with Psalm 56:3
This verse reassures that faith eliminates fear, which contradicts the assertion that only the righteous are bold without fleeing.
Psalm 56:3: What time I am afraid, I will trust in thee.
Contradiction with 2 Timothy 1:7
This verse states that God gives a spirit of power, love, and a sound mind, suggesting that boldness is granted by God to believers, not dependent solely on righteousness.
2 Timothy 1:7: For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.
Contradiction with Isaiah 41:10
This verse assures that God's presence removes fear, implying that fearlessness can be a divine assurance rather than only a result of righteousness.
Isaiah 41:10: Fear thou not; for I [am] with thee: be not dismayed; for I [am] thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.
Contradiction with Psalm 23:4
This verse expresses confidence and fearlessness in the face of danger because of God's presence, somewhat contradicting the idea that only the wicked flee due to a lack of divine assurance.
Psalm 23:4: Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou [art] with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.
Contradiction with Romans 8:15
This verse communicates that believers have received a spirit of adoption, not fear, suggesting that fearlessness comes from the relationship with God, not solely through righteousness.
Romans 8:15: For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father.
Paradox #1
The potential contradiction might be between this verse that portrays the wicked as fearful and other parts of the Bible where wicked people seem confident or successful. For example, some Psalms describe the wicked as prospering and feeling secure. This could seem inconsistent, as one part says they are fearful, and another shows them as confident. However, these descriptions might relate to different contexts or aspects of wickedness.
Paradox #2
The potential moral conflict in Proverbs 28:1 could be about the idea of fear and guilt. It might suggest that only guilty people feel afraid and need to run away, implying that innocent or good people never experience fear. In reality, even good people can feel fear due to various life situations, not necessarily because they've done something wrong. This could create a contradiction in understanding human emotions and morality.