Contradiction with 1 Corinthians 6:18
Encourages fleeing from fornication, contradicting the invitation to indulge in love.
1 Corinthians 6:18: Flee fornication. Every sin that a man doeth is without the body; but he that committeth fornication sinneth against his own body.
Contradiction with 1 Thessalonians 4:3-5
Calls for abstaining from fornication and possessing one's vessel in sanctification, opposing the call to embrace physical love.
1 Thessalonians 4:3-5: For this is the will of God, [even] your sanctification, that ye should abstain from fornication:
Contradiction with Hebrews 13:4
States that marriage is honorable and the bed undefiled, but God will judge fornicators, which contrasts with the call to partake in love freely.
Hebrews 13:4: Marriage [is] honourable in all, and the bed undefiled: but whoremongers and adulterers God will judge.
Contradiction with Galatians 5:19-21
Lists adultery and fornication as works of the flesh that prevent inheriting the kingdom of God, opposing the enticement to enjoy lust.
Galatians 5:19-21: Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are [these]; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness,
Contradiction with 1 Peter 2:11
Urges believers to abstain from fleshly lusts which war against the soul, contrasting the suggestion to delight in love.
1 Peter 2:11: Dearly beloved, I beseech [you] as strangers and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts, which war against the soul;
Contradiction with Ephesians 5:3
Advises against letting fornication even be named among the saints, contrary to the encouragement to indulge in physical intimacy.
Ephesians 5:3: But fornication, and all uncleanness, or covetousness, let it not be once named among you, as becometh saints;
Contradiction with Colossians 3:5
Instructs believers to put to death earthly nature, such as fornication, which is inconsistent with the suggestion to partake in such acts.
Colossians 3:5: Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth; fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence, and covetousness, which is idolatry:
Paradox #1
The contradiction in Proverbs 7:18 could be the promotion of intimate pleasure without consideration of the ethical or relational commitments often emphasized elsewhere in religious teachings, like faithfulness and responsibility. This can seem inconsistent with values like fidelity and honesty.