Contradiction with Genesis 2:18
Suggests that it is not good for a person to be alone, advocating for companionship through marriage.
Genesis 2:18: And the LORD God said, [It is] not good that the man should be alone; I will make him an help meet for him. [meet...: Heb. as before him]
Contradiction with Proverbs 18:22
States that finding a wife is a good thing and brings favor from the Lord, implying the value of marriage.
Proverbs 18:22: [Whoso] findeth a wife findeth a good [thing], and obtaineth favour of the LORD.
Contradiction with 1 Corinthians 7:2
Advises people to marry to avoid fornication, indicating marriage as a necessity for maintaining moral conduct.
1 Corinthians 7:2: Nevertheless, [to avoid] fornication, let every man have his own wife, and let every woman have her own husband.
Contradiction with 1 Timothy 5:14
Encourages younger widows to marry, bear children, and take on household responsibilities, supporting the concept of marriage.
1 Timothy 5:14: I will therefore that the younger women marry, bear children, guide the house, give none occasion to the adversary to speak reproachfully. [to speak...: Gr. for their railing]
Contradiction with Hebrews 13:4
Declares marriage as honorable and the marriage bed as undefiled, promoting the idea that marriage is virtuous.
Hebrews 13:4: Marriage [is] honourable in all, and the bed undefiled: but whoremongers and adulterers God will judge.
Paradox #1
1 Corinthians 7:8 may seem inconsistent when compared with other parts of the Bible that emphasize the importance and value of marriage. While this verse suggests it can be good to remain single, other verses encourage marriage as a blessed and honorable institution. This can be seen as a tension between individual life choices and broader biblical teachings on marriage.
Paradox #2
The contradiction or conflict in this verse might be seen in how it suggests staying single can be better, which can clash with other biblical teachings that emphasize the importance of marriage and family life. Some might see this as conflicting advice about personal relationships.