Contradiction with Deuteronomy 25:15
This verse mandates having a perfect and just weight, contradicting the merchants' deceitful practices in Amos 8:5.
Deuteronomy 25:15: [But] thou shalt have a perfect and just weight, a perfect and just measure shalt thou have: that thy days may be lengthened in the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee.
Contradiction with Proverbs 11:1
This verse declares that a false balance is an abomination to the Lord, contradicting the acceptance of dishonest scales in Amos 8:5.
Proverbs 11:1: A false balance [is] abomination to the LORD: but a just weight [is] his delight. [A false...: Heb. Balances of deceit] [just...: Heb. perfect stone]
Contradiction with Leviticus 19:36
This verse commands the use of just balances and weights, contradicting the dishonest scales used in Amos 8:5.
Leviticus 19:36: Just balances, just weights, a just ephah, and a just hin, shall ye have: I [am] the LORD your God, which brought you out of the land of Egypt. [weights: Heb. stones]
Contradiction with Micah 6:11
This verse questions if God will acquit dishonest scales, contradicting how merchants in Amos 8:5 use deceitful measures without immediate consequence.
Micah 6:11: Shall I count [them] pure with the wicked balances, and with the bag of deceitful weights? [count...: or, be pure with, etc]
Contradiction with Hosea 12:7
This verse refers to the unjust balances used to oppress, contradicting the merchants' actions in Amos 8:5 where they eagerly use deceit.
Hosea 12:7: [He is] a merchant, the balances of deceit [are] in his hand: he loveth to oppress. [a merchant: or, Canaan] [oppress: or, deceive]
Paradox #1
The verse in Amos 8:5 might be seen as highlighting a contradiction or inconsistency regarding religious hypocrisy and the misuse of religious observance. While the verse points out people who follow religious practices but exploit others when the observance is over, this could be seen as clashing with the expectation of genuine faith and ethical behavior. The focus is on the hypocrisy in separating religious acts from moral actions.
Paradox #2
This verse highlights the contradiction of religious people appearing devout while being dishonest or exploitative in business. It reflects the tension between religious observance and ethical behavior, showing inconsistency between faith and everyday actions.