Contradiction with Proverbs 31:30
Emphasizes the value of inner beauty and fear of the Lord, contrasting with the outward adornment and abominations described in Revelation 17:4.
Proverbs 31:30: Favour [is] deceitful, and beauty [is] vain: [but] a woman [that] feareth the LORD, she shall be praised.
Contradiction with Matthew 6:19-20
Advises against storing earthly treasures, in contrast to the luxurious adornment mentioned in Revelation 17:4.
Matthew 6:19-20: Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal:
Contradiction with 1 Peter 3:3-4
Encourages inner beauty rather than outward adornment, opposing the opulent appearance in Revelation 17:4.
1 Peter 3:3-4: Whose adorning let it not be that outward [adorning] of plaiting the hair, and of wearing of gold, or of putting on of apparel;
Contradiction with James 4:4
Warns of friendship with the world being enmity with God, opposing the worldly display in Revelation 17:4.
James 4:4: Ye adulterers and adulteresses, know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God? whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God.
Contradiction with 1 Timothy 6:9-10
Warns of the dangers of desiring riches, contrasting with the wealth depicted in Revelation 17:4.
1 Timothy 6:9-10: But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and [into] many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition.
Contradiction with 1 John 2:15-17
Advises against loving the world and its lusts, which contradicts the worldly indulgence in Revelation 17:4.
1 John 2:15-17: Love not the world, neither the things [that are] in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him.
Paradox #1
Some people may see a contradiction or conflict in the depiction of wealth and materialism in this verse, compared to other teachings in the Bible that warn against material excess and emphasize humility and spiritual richness. While Revelation describes opulent imagery, other parts of the Bible, such as the teachings of Jesus, focus on rejecting material wealth for spiritual well-being. This contrast might seem inconsistent with the overall message of modesty and devotion.
Paradox #2
One potential contradiction in Revelation 17:4 is the depiction of wealth and luxury as negative traits. Throughout the Bible, wealth is sometimes seen as a blessing from God, but in this verse, it's associated with corruption and immorality. This can create confusion about whether wealth itself is inherently bad or if it's more about how it's used.