Contradictions and Paradoxes in 2 Timothy 4:3

Check out Contradictions Catalog of 2 Timothy 4:3 for the comprehensive list of verses that contradicts 2 Timothy 4:3. Some key contradictions and paradoxes are described below.

According to Paul, people will stop listening to the true teachings and instead find teachers who say what they want to hear, just to feel good. They will look for these teachers because they want to follow their own desires.

2 Timothy 4:3: For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears;

Contradiction with Proverbs 4:7

Proverbs 4:7 emphasizes the importance of acquiring wisdom and understanding, whereas 2 Timothy 4:3 suggests that people will turn away from sound doctrine, which can imply a rejection of true wisdom.

Proverbs 4:7: Wisdom [is] the principal thing; [therefore] get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding.

Contradiction with Matthew 7:7

This verse encourages seeking and finding truth, contrary to 2 Timothy 4:3, which predicts a turning away from sound doctrine and truth.

Matthew 7:7: Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you:

Contradiction with John 16:13

John 16:13 speaks of the Spirit of truth guiding believers, which is in contrast to 2 Timothy 4:3, where individuals will not endure sound doctrine.

John 16:13: Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, [that] shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come.

Contradiction with Acts 17:11

This verse commends those who search the scriptures daily to verify teachings, differing from 2 Timothy 4:3 where people will seek teachers to suit their own desires, ignoring scripture.

Acts 17:11: These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so.

Contradiction with 2 Thessalonians 2:10

Here, the emphasis is on receiving the love of truth for salvation, contradicting 2 Timothy 4:3 where people reject sound doctrine.

2 Thessalonians 2:10: And with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish; because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved.

Contradiction with 1 Timothy 4:1

While this verse speaks of departing from the faith due to deceiving spirits, it affirms the struggle against false teachings, indicating that some will still hold to sound doctrine, unlike the populace predicted in 2 Timothy 4:3.

1 Timothy 4:1: Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils;

Contradiction with James 1:5

Encouraging asking God for wisdom, James 1:5 contradicts 2 Timothy 4:3 where people turn instead to teachings that satisfy their own desires.

James 1:5: If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all [men] liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.

Paradox #1

The contradiction in 2 Timothy 4:3 could be that it warns against people turning away from sound teaching, but it leaves open the question of who decides what is 'sound.' Different interpretations or beliefs could conflict with one another on what is considered true or right teaching. This can lead to disagreements or tension within a community.

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