Contradiction with John 3:13
States that no man has ascended to heaven except Christ, which implies limitations on who has ascended and descended, contrary to Proverbs 30:4 asking who has ascended and descended, suggesting a mystery.
John 3:13: And no man hath ascended up to heaven, but he that came down from heaven, [even] the Son of man which is in heaven.
Contradiction with Deuteronomy 29:29
Indicates that secret things belong to God, contrary to Proverbs 30:4 which questions who knows God's creation, implying difficulty in understanding, yet there are things only God knows.
Deuteronomy 29:29: The secret [things belong] unto the LORD our God: but those [things which are] revealed [belong] unto us and to our children for ever, that [we] may do all the words of this law.
Contradiction with Exodus 20:11
Declares God made the heavens and the earth in six days, focusing on divine creation explicitly, contrary to Proverbs 30:4's rhetorical question about who established the earth.
Exodus 20:11: For [in] six days the LORD made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that in them [is], and rested the seventh day: wherefore the LORD blessed the sabbath day, and hallowed it.
Contradiction with Isaiah 40:28
Affirms God's understanding is unsearchable, contrary to Proverbs 30:4 posing questions that imply the possibility of knowing divine actions.
Isaiah 40:28: Hast thou not known? hast thou not heard, [that] the everlasting God, the LORD, the Creator of the ends of the earth, fainteth not, neither is weary? [there is] no searching of his understanding.
Contradiction with Job 38:4
God challenges Job on his knowledge of the earth's foundations, contrasting with Proverbs 30:4 which inquires rhetorically on who has done such acts.
Job 38:4: Where wast thou when I laid the foundations of the earth? declare, if thou hast understanding. [hast...: Heb. knowest understanding]
Paradox #1
Proverbs 30:4 presents questions about the identity and nature of God and His son, which can hint at a deeper insight into the divine nature. Some might find a theological inconsistency if they try to reconcile this with the understanding of God's uniqueness in other biblical texts, especially if interpreted without a Trinitarian perspective, which resolves such questions by explaining the unity of God with distinct persons. However, this isn't a contradiction within the text itself but more about interpretive perspectives. If read outside of a Christian context, it could appear puzzling.
Paradox #2
The verse raises questions because it speaks of knowledge about creation and God's name, which some argue suggests concepts not fully developed until later in biblical or theological history. It might seem inconsistent with other parts of the Old Testament that don't explicitly mention such detailed knowledge about divine matters.
Paradox #3
Proverbs 30:4 includes references to ascending to heaven and controlling the elements, which could conflict with scientific understanding about human capabilities and the natural world. Science does not support the idea that humans can inherently control the weather or have been to heaven as a physical place.