Contradiction with 1 Timothy 6:10
This verse states that the love of money is the root of all evil, while in Revelation 18:15 the merchants lament the loss of wealth, not addressing the root cause of their downfall.
1 Timothy 6:10: For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows. [erred: or, been seduced]
Contradiction with Matthew 6:19-20
These verses advise storing treasures in heaven rather than on earth, which contradicts the merchants' focus on earthly wealth in Revelation 18:15.
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 Luke 12:15
This verse warns against covetousness and suggests that life does not consist in the abundance of possessions, contrasting the merchants' sorrow over losing their riches in Revelation 18:15.
Luke 12:15: And he said unto them, Take heed, and beware of covetousness: for a man's life consisteth not in the abundance of the things which he possesseth.
Contradiction with Proverbs 11:4
This verse states that riches do not profit in the day of wrath, contradicting the merchants' lament over wealth loss in the context of divine judgment in Revelation 18:15.
Proverbs 11:4: Riches profit not in the day of wrath: but righteousness delivereth from death.
Contradiction with James 5:1-3
These verses warn the rich about impending miseries due to their hoarded wealth, which contradicts the merchants mourning over their financial losses in Revelation 18:15.
James 5:1-3: Go to now, [ye] rich men, weep and howl for your miseries that shall come upon [you].
Paradox #1
Revelation 18:15 describes the lament of merchants over the fall of Babylon. A contradiction or inconsistency could be that there is no clear historical event that matches the described sudden and dramatic fall of a singular great city like Babylon causing widespread economic ruin, as depicted in the passage. This has led to various interpretations and debates among scholars and theologians about whether it refers to a past event or is symbolic of future occurrences.
Paradox #2
The potential contradiction in this verse could be the conflict between the pursuit of wealth and materialism versus spiritual and ethical values. It might highlight the tension between profiting at the expense of others and the moral or spiritual downfall that can accompany such actions.