Contradiction with Leviticus 19:13
This verse commands not to defraud or rob, contradicting Amos 8:6, where exploitation is described.
Leviticus 19:13: Thou shalt not defraud thy neighbour, neither rob [him]: the wages of him that is hired shall not abide with thee all night until the morning.
Contradiction with Proverbs 22:16
It warns that oppressing the poor to increase wealth leads to poverty, opposing the practice highlighted in Amos 8:6.
Proverbs 22:16: He that oppresseth the poor to increase his [riches, and] he that giveth to the rich, [shall] surely [come] to want.
Contradiction with Deuteronomy 24:14-15
The law prohibits oppressing the poor and hired servants, which contrasts the behavior mentioned in Amos 8:6.
Deuteronomy 24:14-15: Thou shalt not oppress an hired servant [that is] poor and needy, [whether he be] of thy brethren, or of thy strangers that [are] in thy land within thy gates:
Contradiction with James 5:4
Condemns withholding wages from laborers, which contradicts the exploitation in Amos 8:6.
James 5:4: Behold, the hire of the labourers who have reaped down your fields, which is of you kept back by fraud, crieth: and the cries of them which have reaped are entered into the ears of the Lord of sabaoth. [sabaoth: Heb. hosts]
Contradiction with Proverbs 22:22-23
Advises against robbing the poor because the Lord will plead their cause, opposing actions in Amos 8:6.
Proverbs 22:22-23: Rob not the poor, because he [is] poor: neither oppress the afflicted in the gate:
Contradiction with Isaiah 10:1-2
Denounces decrees that rob the poor and widows, which contradicts the unjust actions in Amos 8:6.
Isaiah 10:1-2: Woe unto them that decree unrighteous decrees, and that write grievousness [which] they have prescribed; [that write...: or, to the writers that write grievousness]
Contradiction with Micah 2:2
Condemns coveting and taking others' possessions, contradicting the exploitation of the needy in Amos 8:6.
Micah 2:2: And they covet fields, and take [them] by violence; and houses, and take [them] away: so they oppress a man and his house, even a man and his heritage. [oppress: or, defraud]
Paradox #1
In Amos 8:6, the concern is about exploiting the poor and needy for profit. A possible contradiction could be that this behavior goes against the biblical teachings of justice, compassion, and caring for the marginalized, which are emphasized in other parts of the Bible. This inconsistency arises because those actions do not align with the moral and ethical standards expected of believers.
Paradox #2
Amos 8:6 highlights the exploitation of the poor for personal gain. The contradiction is that it contrasts with the ethical teachings in the Bible about justice, fairness, and care for the vulnerable. While the verse depicts a practice of inequality and dishonesty, biblical teachings generally advocate for compassion and justice towards the less fortunate. This inconsistency between the actions described and the ethical ideals promoted elsewhere can be seen as a moral conflict.