Contradiction with Romans 13:3
Zephaniah 3:3 describes rulers as roaring lions, implying danger and threat, while Romans 13:3 portrays rulers as a terror to evil works, suggesting they are a deterrent to wrongdoing, not a menace to the righteous.
Romans 13:3: For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to the evil. Wilt thou then not be afraid of the power? do that which is good, and thou shalt have praise of the same:
Contradiction with 1 Timothy 2:2
Zephaniah 3:3 portrays princes as evening wolves, suggesting they are destructive, while 1 Timothy 2:2 encourages prayer for kings and all who are in authority to lead peaceful and quiet lives, suggesting they provide stability and peace.
1 Timothy 2:2: For kings, and [for] all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty. [authority: or, eminent place]
Paradox #1
The contradiction or conflict of Zephaniah 3:3 could be seen in the criticism of leaders behaving like wild animals, while elsewhere in the Bible, leaders are often instructed to be shepherds or caring guides to their people. This creates inconsistency in behavior expected from leaders.