Contradictions and Paradoxes in Proverbs 31:3

Check out Contradictions Catalog of Proverbs 31:3 for the comprehensive list of verses that contradicts Proverbs 31:3. Some key contradictions and paradoxes are described below.

According to King Solomon, this verse means that you should be wise and not spend all your time and energy trying to please others in a way that might lead you to make bad choices. Instead, be careful and make good decisions so you don’t get into trouble like some kings did.

Proverbs 31:3: Give not thy strength unto women, nor thy ways to that which destroyeth kings.

Contradiction with 1 Kings 11:3

This verse mentions Solomon having many wives and concubines, which led him astray, contradicting the advice against giving strength to women.

1 Kings 11:3: And he had seven hundred wives, princesses, and three hundred concubines: and his wives turned away his heart.

Contradiction with Deuteronomy 17:17

Advises against multiplying wives, which contradicts rulers giving their strength to women, similar to the warning in Proverbs 31:3.

Deuteronomy 17:17: Neither shall he multiply wives to himself, that his heart turn not away: neither shall he greatly multiply to himself silver and gold.

Contradiction with Judges 16:17

Samson tells Delilah the secret of his strength, contradicting the caution against giving strength to women.

Judges 16:17: That he told her all his heart, and said unto her, There hath not come a razor upon mine head; for I [have been] a Nazarite unto God from my mother's womb: if I be shaven, then my strength will go from me, and I shall become weak, and be like any [other] man.

Contradiction with 1 Kings 21:25

Describes how Ahab was influenced by Jezebel, his wife, contradicting the warning against yielding strength to women.

1 Kings 21:25: But there was none like unto Ahab, which did sell himself to work wickedness in the sight of the LORD, whom Jezebel his wife stirred up. [stirred...: or, incited]

Paradox #1

Proverbs 31:3 advises against giving strength to women in a context that might seem negative or limiting. Some people might see this as inconsistent with other parts of the Bible that celebrate strong, virtuous women like Deborah, Esther, and the Proverbs 31 woman herself. This could create a conflict for those trying to reconcile the verse with teachings that affirm the capabilities and strengths of women.

Paradox #2

The contradiction or inconsistency could arise from the interpretation that it warns against giving power or energy to women, which can be seen as conflicting with the broader biblical teachings of equality, respect, and love towards all people, including women. This viewpoint may appear contradictory to the message of valuing and honoring women found in other parts of the Bible.

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