Is Anyone Truly Good? A Biblical Paradox
In this article, you will learn how Mark 10:18 contradicts Romans 3:23, Psalm 14:3, Ecclesiastes 7:20 and Isaiah 64:6. Find the translations at the bottom of the page..
In the heart of the Bible, a thought-provoking paradox emerges regarding human goodness and divine perfection. This paradox is chiefly exemplified in Mark 10:18, where Jesus articulates, "Why callest thou me good? there is none good but one, that is, God." Here, Jesus emphasizes that genuine goodness is an attribute of God alone, prompting us to question the true nature of human righteousness.
Contrasting this message are several biblical verses underscoring the imperfection of humanity. Romans 3:23 reminds us that "all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God," painting a picture of humanity as inherently flawed. Similarly, Psalm 14:3 boldly proclaims "there is none that doeth good, no, not one," reinforcing the idea that no human deed can reach the standard of divine goodness. These verses accentuate a shared theological understanding: human efforts, no matter how noble, fall short of the perfection exemplified by God.
Further reinforcing this notion is Ecclesiastes 7:20, stating there's "not a just man upon earth, that doeth good, and sinneth not." This ancient wisdom literature echoes the sentiments in Mark, deepening the dilemma. And Isaiah 64:6 metaphorically describes our righteous acts as "filthy rags," indicating even our best intentions are tainted by imperfection.
Imagine a potter crafting a pot. The pot aims to reflect the perfection of its maker, but it can never be the maker. Similarly, humans strive for goodness but fall short of divine perfection. This paradox invites reflection: If only God embodies true goodness, how do we navigate our flawed humanity while aspiring towards divine ideals? Can acknowledging our imperfections bring us closer to the divine?
These verses compel believers to reflect on the nature of goodness, urging a humble recognition of human limitations and the boundless perfection of the divine.
| # | Verse | Translation |
|---|---|---|
| 1. | Mark 10:18 | And Jesus said unto him, Why callest thou me good? [there is] none good but one, [that is], God. |
| 2. | Romans 3:23 | For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; |
| 3. | Psalm 14:3 | They are all gone aside, they are [all] together become filthy: [there is] none that doeth good, no, not one. [filthy: Heb. stinking] |
| 4. | Ecclesiastes 7:20 | For [there is] not a just man upon earth, that doeth good, and sinneth not. |
| 5. | Isaiah 64:6 | But we are all as an unclean [thing], and all our righteousnesses [are] as filthy rags; and we all do fade as a leaf; and our iniquities, like the wind, have taken us away. |