Contradiction with Exodus 20:12
This verse instructs to honor your father and mother, contradicting the curse on the fatherless in Psalms 109:9.
Exodus 20:12: Honour thy father and thy mother: that thy days may be long upon the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee.
Contradiction with Matthew 5:44
This verse teaches to love your enemies, which contrasts with the imprecatory prayer against an enemy in Psalms 109:9.
Matthew 5:44: But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you;
Contradiction with Proverbs 24:17
This verse advises not to rejoice when your enemy falls, opposing the curse pronounced in Psalms 109:9.
Proverbs 24:17: Rejoice not when thine enemy falleth, and let not thine heart be glad when he stumbleth:
Contradiction with Romans 12:14
This verse calls for blessing those who persecute you, conflicting with the cursing in Psalms 109:9.
Romans 12:14: Bless them which persecute you: bless, and curse not.
Contradiction with Proverbs 25:21-22
These verses suggest feeding your enemy if they are hungry, contrary to the malevolent wishes in Psalms 109:9.
Proverbs 25:21-22: If thine enemy be hungry, give him bread to eat; and if he be thirsty, give him water to drink:
Contradiction with Luke 6:27-28
These verses instruct to do good to those who hate you, differing from the curses in Psalms 109:9.
Luke 6:27-28: But I say unto you which hear, Love your enemies, do good to them which hate you,
Contradiction with 1 Peter 3:9
This verse teaches not to repay evil with evil, directly opposing the retribution in Psalms 109:9.
1 Peter 3:9: Not rendering evil for evil, or railing for railing: but contrariwise blessing; knowing that ye are thereunto called, that ye should inherit a blessing.
Contradiction with Ephesians 4:32
This verse calls for kindness and forgiveness, which is contrary to the harsh wishes in Psalms 109:9.
Ephesians 4:32: And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you.
Paradox #1
The verse in question is often seen as problematic because it appears to call for harm or misfortune upon someone's family, which seems to conflict with other biblical teachings about forgiveness, love, and praying for one's enemies. This can appear inconsistent with the overall message of compassion and mercy found elsewhere in the Bible.
Paradox #2
Psalms 109:9, when viewed in isolation, might seem harsh or unkind, especially considering the general biblical teachings on love and forgiveness. The verse calls for misfortune upon someone’s family, which could appear to conflict with the teachings of compassion and mercy found elsewhere in the Bible, such as in the messages of Jesus about loving enemies and blessing those who curse you. This can create a tension between the expression of human emotions like anger and the broader scriptural calls for grace and forgiveness.
Paradox #3
Psalms 109:9, when read in isolation, may appear harsh or punitive, especially in the context of modern values about family and compassion. The verse speaks of consequences affecting not just the wrongdoer but also their family, which might seem inconsistent with the contemporary idea that punishment should be individual and not extend to innocent family members. This highlights a cultural and ethical shift between ancient and modern understandings of justice.
Paradox #4
Psalms 109:9 is harsh and wishes harm upon someone's family, which conflicts with teachings about love and forgiveness found elsewhere in the Bible. This can be seen as inconsistent with the overall message of compassion and mercy.