Contradiction with Exodus 22:25
This verse instructs not to charge interest to the poor, suggesting that some form of interest is acceptable, unlike Deuteronomy 23:20, which allows interest from foreigners.
Exodus 22:25: If thou lend money to [any of] my people [that is] poor by thee, thou shalt not be to him as an usurer, neither shalt thou lay upon him usury.
Contradiction with Leviticus 25:36-37
These verses prohibit charging interest to fellow Israelites, which contrasts with Deuteronomy 23:20 that permits taking interest from foreigners.
Leviticus 25:36-37: Take thou no usury of him, or increase: but fear thy God; that thy brother may live with thee.
Contradiction with Nehemiah 5:10
Nehemiah condemns interest even among fellow Jews, indicating stricter adherence than Deuteronomy 23:20, which allows lending with interest to foreigners.
Nehemiah 5:10: I likewise, [and] my brethren, and my servants, might exact of them money and corn: I pray you, let us leave off this usury.
Contradiction with Ezekiel 18:8
Describes a righteous person as not charging interest, seeming to favor an interpretation beyond the foreigner distinction in Deuteronomy 23:20.
Ezekiel 18:8: He [that] hath not given forth upon usury, neither hath taken any increase, [that] hath withdrawn his hand from iniquity, hath executed true judgment between man and man,
Contradiction with Ezekiel 18:13
Condemns charging interest in general, indicating a stricter view than what is outlined in Deuteronomy 23:20.
Ezekiel 18:13: Hath given forth upon usury, and hath taken increase: shall he then live? he shall not live: he hath done all these abominations; he shall surely die; his blood shall be upon him. [blood: Heb. bloods]
Contradiction with Matthew 5:42
Advocates giving to those who ask without mention of charging or recovering interest, indicating a more generous approach than Deuteronomy 23:20.
Matthew 5:42: Give to him that asketh thee, and from him that would borrow of thee turn not thou away.
Contradiction with Luke 6:35
Jesus teaches to lend without expecting anything back, which is more stringent than Deuteronomy 23:20, which involves interest from foreigners.
Luke 6:35: But love ye your enemies, and do good, and lend, hoping for nothing again; and your reward shall be great, and ye shall be the children of the Highest: for he is kind unto the unthankful and [to] the evil.
Contradiction with Proverbs 28:8
Talks about gathering wealth by interest as a negative act, conflicting with Deuteronomy 23:20’s allowance under certain conditions.
Proverbs 28:8: He that by usury and unjust gain increaseth his substance, he shall gather it for him that will pity the poor. [unjust...: Heb. by increase]
Paradox #1
Deuteronomy 23:20 allows Israelites to lend money at interest to foreigners but not to fellow Israelites. This could be seen as a contradiction with the biblical principle of loving your neighbor as yourself, creating an inconsistency in how people are treated based on their nationality.
Paradox #2
One possible contradiction with Deuteronomy 23:20 could involve the broader biblical teachings on lending and interest. While this verse allows interest to be charged to foreigners, elsewhere in the Bible, themes of generosity, fairness, and the avoidance of exploiting others are emphasized. For example, verses like Leviticus 25:35-37 and Proverbs 28:8 discourage the charging of interest, highlighting care for others. This difference might be seen as inconsistent in the approach to financial dealings, depending on how these principles are interpreted together.
Paradox #3
Deuteronomy 23:20 might be seen as inconsistent because it allows charging interest to foreigners but not fellow Israelites. This could be viewed as unfair or unequal treatment between groups, conflicting with the broader biblical message of love and fairness to all.