Contradiction with Matthew 5:44
Matthew 5:44 teaches to love and do good to enemies, contrasting with the idea that God is froward with the froward, as seen in Psalms 18:26.
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 20:22
Proverbs 20:22 advises not to repay evil, suggesting a departure from the reciprocal treatment described in Psalms 18:26.
Proverbs 20:22: Say not thou, I will recompense evil; [but] wait on the LORD, and he shall save thee.
Contradiction with Romans 12:17
Romans 12:17 encourages not returning evil for evil, conflicting with the notion of God acting frowardly with the froward in Psalms 18:26.
Romans 12:17: Recompense to no man evil for evil. Provide things honest in the sight of all men.
Contradiction with 1 Peter 3:9
1 Peter 3:9 instructs not to repay evil with evil or insult with insult, which contrasts with the reciprocal actions in Psalms 18:26.
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.
Paradox #1
Psalms 18:26 suggests that God responds to people by reflecting their behavior back to them. The possible contradiction or conflict here could be with the idea that God is unchanging and constant, as traditionally believed in many religious teachings. If God reacts differently based on an individual's actions, it might seem like God's nature is changeable rather than consistent. This brings up questions about how God's justice and mercy are applied universally.
Paradox #2
Psalms 18:26 talks about God showing Himself as 'shrewd' to the crooked. This might seem to contradict the idea that God is always loving and straightforward since shrewdness implies cunning or trickiness. Some might see this as conflicting with the notion of God being purely good and transparent.
Paradox #3
The contradiction or inconsistency might arise from the idea that God's actions seem to vary based on a person's behavior. If God is merciful to those who are merciful and shrewd to those who are shrewd, it could seem inconsistent with the idea of unconditional love or consistent moral standards. This might appear as if God is reflecting human-like behavior, rewarding or reacting differently based on human actions, which can raise questions about fairness or impartiality.