Contradiction with James 3:8
This verse acknowledges that no human can tame the tongue, describing it as an unruly evil, full of deadly poison, whereas Psalms 140:3 uses the image of a serpent's poison to describe the wicked, implying that such behavior is not universal to all humans.
James 3:8: But the tongue can no man tame; [it is] an unruly evil, full of deadly poison.
Contradiction with Proverbs 15:1
Suggests a gentle answer turns away wrath, which implies the power of words for good, whereas Psalms 140:3 emphasizes the negative aspect of words likened to serpent's poison.
Proverbs 15:1: A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger.
Contradiction with Matthew 12:34
Implies that what comes out of one's mouth reflects the state of the heart, suggesting speech is inherently a reflection of one's inner morality, whereas Psalms 140:3 focuses on the wicked using their tongues for harm, as if separate from personal morality.
Matthew 12:34: O generation of vipers, how can ye, being evil, speak good things? for out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh.
Contradiction with Proverbs 16:24
Describes pleasant words as a honeycomb, sweet to the soul, and health to the bones, contradicting Psalms 140:3 where words are associated with poison and harm.
Proverbs 16:24: Pleasant words [are as] an honeycomb, sweet to the soul, and health to the bones.
Contradiction with Ephesians 4:29
Encourages speeches that build others up according to their needs, which contrasts with the harmful and venomous speech described in Psalms 140:3.
Ephesians 4:29: Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers. [to...: or, to edify profitably]
Paradox #1
Psalms 140:3 might be seen as having a moral conflict due to its imagery of violence and deceit, which can seem at odds with teachings about love and forgiveness found elsewhere in the Bible. It emphasizes negative traits which could be perceived as inconsistent with the overall message of peace and kindness.