Contradictions and Paradoxes in 1 Corinthians 13:3

Check out Contradictions Catalog of 1 Corinthians 13:3 for the comprehensive list of verses that contradicts 1 Corinthians 13:3. Some key contradictions and paradoxes are described below.

According to Paul, even if you give away everything you own to help others and are very brave, if you don't have love, it doesn't really mean anything. Love is the most important thing to have.

1 Corinthians 13:3: And though I bestow all my goods to feed [the poor], and though I give my body to be burned, and have not charity, it profiteth me nothing.

Contradiction with Matthew 19:21

This verse suggests that giving to the poor leads to perfection and treasure in heaven, implying value in the act of giving itself.

Matthew 19:21: Jesus said unto him, If thou wilt be perfect, go [and] sell that thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come [and] follow me.

Contradiction with James 2:17

This verse emphasizes the necessity of works for faith, potentially contradicting the notion in 1 Corinthians 13:3 that without love, giving has no value.

James 2:17: Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone. [alone: Gr. by itself]

Contradiction with 1 John 3:17

This verse indicates the absence of love when one does not help others, highlighting the importance of acts of charity as evidence of love.

1 John 3:17: But whoso hath this world's good, and seeth his brother have need, and shutteth up his bowels [of compassion] from him, how dwelleth the love of God in him?

Contradiction with Matthew 6:1-2

These verses warn against performing acts of charity for show, suggesting that the intention behind giving (being seen by others) affects its value, which can be seen as an alignment rather than a direct contradiction but provides a nuanced view on motives compared to 1 Corinthians 13:3.

Matthew 6:1-2: Take heed that ye do not your alms before men, to be seen of them: otherwise ye have no reward of your Father which is in heaven. [alms: or, righteousness] [of your: or, with your]

Contradiction with Proverbs 19:17

This verse states that giving to the poor is akin to lending to the Lord, suggesting that there is intrinsic value and reward in giving, potentially contradicting the notion that it's worthless without love.

Proverbs 19:17: He that hath pity upon the poor lendeth unto the LORD; and that which he hath given will he pay him again. [that which...: or, his deed]

Paradox #1

One possible contradiction is that the verse suggests even extreme acts of sacrifice or generosity are meaningless without love, which could seem inconsistent with other teachings in the Bible that emphasize the value of good deeds and sacrifices. This could appear to clash with the idea that such actions are inherently valuable or pleasing to God.

Paradox #2

The contradiction in 1 Corinthians 13:3 could be that it questions whether good actions, like giving to the poor or sacrificing oneself, have true value if they are done without love. This creates a conflict by suggesting that even seemingly noble acts might be meaningless if the intention behind them isn't genuine or loving. This can challenge the idea that actions alone define goodness or morality.

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