Contradictions and Paradoxes in Deuteronomy 16:19

Check out Contradictions Catalog of Deuteronomy 16:19 for the comprehensive list of verses that contradicts Deuteronomy 16:19. Some key contradictions and paradoxes are described below.

According to Moses, God wants us to be fair and not show favorites or take gifts that could make us unfair. Taking gifts can make it hard for even smart and good people to see what is right and true.

Deuteronomy 16:19: Thou shalt not wrest judgment; thou shalt not respect persons, neither take a gift: for a gift doth blind the eyes of the wise, and pervert the words of the righteous. [words: or, matters]

Contradiction with Proverbs 18:5

This verse suggests that accepting the wicked is inappropriate, contradicting the idea of not perverting judgment found in Deuteronomy 16:19.

Proverbs 18:5: [It is] not good to accept the person of the wicked, to overthrow the righteous in judgment.

Contradiction with James 2:9

This verse explicitly states that showing partiality is a sin, contrasting with the impartiality highlighted in Deuteronomy 16:19.

James 2:9: But if ye have respect to persons, ye commit sin, and are convinced of the law as transgressors.

Contradiction with 1 Samuel 16:7

This verse emphasizes that the Lord looks at the heart rather than outward appearances, which may contradict the human tendency to judge based on appearance, as cautioned against in Deuteronomy 16:19.

1 Samuel 16:7: But the LORD said unto Samuel, Look not on his countenance, or on the height of his stature; because I have refused him: for [the LORD seeth] not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the LORD looketh on the heart. [outward...: Heb. eyes]

Contradiction with Job 13:10

This verse mentions that God will surely reprove those who show partiality in secret, which aligns with the warning in Deuteronomy 16:19 against taking bribes.

Job 13:10: He will surely reprove you, if ye do secretly accept persons.

Paradox #1

Theological discussions sometimes consider whether the emphasis on impartial justice in Deuteronomy 16:19 contradicts examples in the Bible where God's chosen people receive special treatment. Some argue that this could seem inconsistent with the idea of universal fairness. However, others explain this by distinguishing between divine justice and human justice, noting that the verse focuses on human legal integrity.

Paradox #2

The potential contradiction in this verse could arise from situations where justice and fairness are promoted as ideal principles, but in practice, individuals may face dilemmas or pressures that lead to bias or favoritism in decision-making. This can create conflict between the ideal of impartiality and the reality of human behavior.

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