Contradictions and Paradoxes in 1 Corinthians 12:31

Check out Contradictions Catalog of 1 Corinthians 12:31 for the comprehensive list of verses that contradicts 1 Corinthians 12:31. Some key contradictions and paradoxes are described below.

According to Paul, God wants us to want and try to have the best gifts, like helping others or being kind. But more important than any gift is learning to love everyone, which is the best thing we can do.

1 Corinthians 12:31: But covet earnestly the best gifts: and yet shew I unto you a more excellent way.

Contradiction with Matthew 6:19-20

Contradicts by teaching to seek heavenly treasures over earthly gifts, whereas 1 Corinthians 12:31 encourages earnestly coveting spiritual gifts.

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 James 3:16

Contradicts by associating envying (coveting) with confusion and evil, opposed to 1 Corinthians 12:31's encouragement to covet gifts.

James 3:16: For where envying and strife [is], there [is] confusion and every evil work. [confusion: Gr. tumult, or, unquietness]

Contradiction with 1 Timothy 6:9

Contradicts by warning against desiring to be rich leading to temptations and snares, conflicting with coveting the best gifts in 1 Corinthians 12:31.

1 Timothy 6:9: 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 Philippians 2:3

Contradicts by advising to act in lowliness of mind rather than coveting, as 1 Corinthians 12:31 instructs.

Philippians 2:3: [Let] nothing [be done] through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves.

Contradiction with Proverbs 23:4

Contradicts by advising against laboring to be rich, which mirrors coveting desires, opposed to 1 Corinthians 12:31’s encouragement of coveting spiritual gifts.

Proverbs 23:4: Labour not to be rich: cease from thine own wisdom.
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