1 Samuel 2:3 Contradictions and Paradoxes

According to the prophet Samuel, God knows everything and can see if you are being proud or boastful. He wants people to not brag or act like they are better than others because He is the one who checks our actions to see if they are good or bad.

Contradiction with Proverbs 15:3

While 1 Samuel 2:3 speaks of God weighing actions and knowledge, Proverbs 15:3 suggests that God's eyes are always watching and never weighing, indicating a constant, passive observance rather than active judgment.

Proverbs 15:3: The eyes of the LORD [are] in every place, beholding the evil and the good.

Contradiction with Ecclesiastes 8:11

1 Samuel 2:3 warns that God will weigh actions and judge, whereas Ecclesiastes 8:11 notes that judgment against evil deeds is not executed swiftly, suggesting a delay or lack of immediate response.

Ecclesiastes 8:11: Because sentence against an evil work is not executed speedily, therefore the heart of the sons of men is fully set in them to do evil.

Contradiction with Romans 2:4

1 Samuel 2:3 emphasizes God's immediate judgment, but Romans 2:4 highlights God's patience and kindness, suggesting a contradiction in how quickly He responds to human actions.

Romans 2:4: Or despisest thou the riches of his goodness and forbearance and longsuffering; not knowing that the goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance?

Contradiction with Isaiah 55:8-9

1 Samuel 2:3 assumes a clear understanding of God's judgments, but Isaiah 55:8-9 states that God's ways and thoughts are beyond human comprehension, suggesting a contradiction in understanding divine actions.

Isaiah 55:8-9: For my thoughts [are] not your thoughts, neither [are] your ways my ways, saith the LORD.

Contradiction with Matthew 5:45

While 1 Samuel 2:3 implies judgment based on actions, Matthew 5:45 shows that God gives blessings like sunshine and rain indiscriminately to the just and unjust alike.

Matthew 5:45: That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust.

Paradox #1

1 Samuel 2:3 warns against pride and emphasizes that God is all-knowing and judges actions. A possible contradiction might occur when considering scriptures that emphasize God's mercy and forgiveness, as it could seem inconsistent with the idea of God strictly judging every action and word. While God is portrayed as just and aware of all deeds, the emphasis on judgment might seem to contrast with depictions of God as merciful and forgiving. These attributes, however, are often considered to complement rather than contradict each other within theological discussions.

Paradox #2

1 Samuel 2:3 discusses the idea of God knowing everything we do and being a just judge. A contradiction could be perceived if someone feels that certain events in life are unfair or if they see suffering and question God's justice. This could lead to questions about how a just and all-knowing God allows such situations.