Proverbs 31:7 Contradictions and Paradoxes

According to King Solomon, who is believed to have written the book, this verse means that sometimes people use drinks to help them forget about their hard times and feel better for a little while. It's like when someone needs a break from their worries.

Contradiction with Ephesians 5:18

Proverbs 31:7 suggests giving strong drink to those who are perishing, whereas Ephesians 5:18 warns against being drunk with wine, highlighting abstention.

Ephesians 5:18: And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit;

Contradiction with 1 Corinthians 6:10

While Proverbs 31:7 seems to permit drinking strong drink for those in misery, 1 Corinthians 6:10 states that drunkards will not inherit the kingdom of God, denouncing excessive drinking.

1 Corinthians 6:10: Nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God.

Contradiction with Romans 13:13

Proverbs 31:7 permits giving wine to those of heavy hearts, whereas Romans 13:13 advises walking properly, not in drunkenness, which implies restraint from overindulgence.

Romans 13:13: Let us walk honestly, as in the day; not in rioting and drunkenness, not in chambering and wantonness, not in strife and envying. [honestly: or, decently]

Contradiction with Galatians 5:21

Galatians 5:21 lists drunkenness as a sinful act that prevents inheriting the kingdom of God, which contradicts the permissiveness implied in Proverbs 31:7 towards giving strong drink.

Galatians 5:21: Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told [you] in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God.

Contradiction with 1 Peter 5:8

The advice to be sober in 1 Peter 5:8 contradicts Proverbs 31:7, which suggests allowing the suffering to drink to forget miseries, contrary to maintaining sobriety.

1 Peter 5:8: Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:

Contradiction with Isaiah 5:11

Isaiah 5:11 criticizes those who pursue strong drink, contrasting with Proverbs 31:7 which suggests giving strong drink to the downtrodden.

Isaiah 5:11: Woe unto them that rise up early in the morning, [that] they may follow strong drink; that continue until night, [till] wine inflame them! [inflame: of, pursue]

Paradox #1

The potential contradiction or inconsistency in this verse could arise from encouraging the use of alcohol as a means to forget or escape one's problems, which might conflict with other teachings against excessive drinking and promoting facing challenges with a clear mind.