Contradiction with Exodus 20:15
While Proverbs 6:30 suggests some sympathy towards a thief in need, Exodus 20:15 strictly states "Thou shalt not steal," allowing no exceptions for theft.
Exodus 20:15: Thou shalt not steal.
Contradiction with Leviticus 19:11
This verse commands, "Ye shall not steal," without any context for need or desperation, contrasting the understanding shown in Proverbs 6:30.
Leviticus 19:11: Ye shall not steal, neither deal falsely, neither lie one to another.
Contradiction with Luke 18:20
Jesus reiterates the commandment, "Do not steal," underscoring the absolute moral directive without accommodating reasons for theft.
Luke 18:20: Thou knowest the commandments, Do not commit adultery, Do not kill, Do not steal, Do not bear false witness, Honour thy father and thy mother.
Contradiction with Ephesians 4:28
Advises that a thief must cease stealing and labor honestly, implicitly negating excuses for theft, contrary to the understanding for need in Proverbs 6:30.
Ephesians 4:28: Let him that stole steal no more: but rather let him labour, working with [his] hands the thing which is good, that he may have to give to him that needeth. [to give: or, to distribute]
Paradox #1
Proverbs 6:30 can seem to contradict or conflict with the idea that stealing is always wrong. While the verse notes understanding for someone who steals because they are hungry, elsewhere in the Bible, stealing is clearly condemned without exceptions, such as in the Ten Commandments. This might create an inconsistency in how strictly the moral law is applied in different situations.
Paradox #2
Proverbs 6:30 is often understood to be empathetic towards someone who steals out of hunger. The contradiction or inconsistency might arise when comparing this understanding with other biblical laws or passages that strictly prohibit theft and prescribe punishment, regardless of the reason behind it. This could be seen as conflicting messages about how theft is to be judged or punished.
Paradox #3
Proverbs 6:30 highlights that people generally don't criticize or despise a thief if he steals to satisfy his hunger. The contradiction or inconsistency here could be that, while stealing is considered wrong according to biblical teachings, there's an understanding or leniency towards someone who steals out of necessity, like hunger. This can conflict with strict moral rules against theft, suggesting a tension between compassion and the strictness of the law.