Contradiction with Job 21:7
While Psalms 37:35 mentions the flourishing of the wicked, Job 21:7 questions why the wicked continue to live and grow powerful.
Job 21:7: Wherefore do the wicked live, become old, yea, are mighty in power?
Contradiction with Ecclesiastes 7:15
Psalms 37:35 describes the prosperity of the wicked, whereas Ecclesiastes 7:15 observes the seeming paradox of a wicked man enjoying a long life despite his evil deeds.
Ecclesiastes 7:15: All [things] have I seen in the days of my vanity: there is a just [man] that perisheth in his righteousness, and there is a wicked [man] that prolongeth [his life] in his wickedness.
Contradiction with Jeremiah 12:1
This verse inquires why the wicked prosper, echoing Psalms 37:35 but highlighting the moral contradiction felt by the prophet.
Jeremiah 12:1: Righteous [art] thou, O LORD, when I plead with thee: yet let me talk with thee of [thy] judgments: Wherefore doth the way of the wicked prosper? [wherefore] are all they happy that deal very treacherously? [talk...: or, reason the case with thee]
Contradiction with Malachi 3:15
Malachi presents the wicked as successful and challenging God, similar in observation to Psalms 37:35, but emphasizing moral frustration.
Malachi 3:15: And now we call the proud happy; yea, they that work wickedness are set up; yea, [they that] tempt God are even delivered. [are set up: Heb. are built]
Contradiction with Habakkuk 1:13
Habakkuk expresses confusion over why God tolerates treacherous people, mirroring thematic elements of Psalms 37:35 but questioning divine justice.
Habakkuk 1:13: [Thou art] of purer eyes than to behold evil, and canst not look on iniquity: wherefore lookest thou upon them that deal treacherously, [and] holdest thy tongue when the wicked devoureth [the man that is] more righteous than he? [iniquity: or, grievance]
Paradox #1
The possible contradiction lies in the different depictions of wickedness and prosperity. In some parts of the Bible, the wicked may appear to flourish, while other verses suggest that they will not prosper in the long run. This can create tension in understanding how justice is portrayed and when or how it applies.
Paradox #2
Psalms 37:35 talks about seeing a wicked person flourishing like a tree. The moral conflict here is the observation that sometimes bad people appear successful or prosperous, which can seem unfair or contradictory to the idea that good is always rewarded and evil is punished. This can create confusion about the relationship between morality and success.