Deuteronomy 24:15 Contradictions and Paradoxes

According to Moses, the writer of Deuteronomy, you should pay a worker their wages on the same day because they need it to buy food and take care of themselves. If you don’t, they may ask God to help them, and you could be doing something wrong.

Contradiction with Matthew 20:14-15

This verse describes an employer who pays workers at the end of the day, but some workers complain about the payment amount rather than the timeliness, implying wage dissatisfaction can exist within a timely payment system.

Matthew 20:14-15: Take [that] thine [is], and go thy way: I will give unto this last, even as unto thee.

Contradiction with Colossians 3:23-24

This verse emphasizes working heartily for the Lord and not for men, suggesting spiritual satisfaction over immediate earthly reward, potentially conflicting with the immediate payment focus of Deuteronomy 24:15.

Colossians 3:23-24: And whatsoever ye do, do [it] heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men;

Contradiction with Proverbs 22:16

This verse highlights the issue of oppressing the poor to increase wealth, which could include delaying or withholding payments, contradicting the fair and timely payment advocated in Deuteronomy 24:15.

Proverbs 22:16: He that oppresseth the poor to increase his [riches, and] he that giveth to the rich, [shall] surely [come] to want.

Paradox #1

The potential contradiction could be that Deuteronomy 24:15, which emphasizes paying workers promptly and fairly, might be seen as conflicting with other passages that discuss wealth and financial practices in different ways. Some may interpret certain scripture as justifying delayed payments or accumulation of wealth without immediate sharing, creating tension between these principles.

Paradox #2

Deuteronomy 24:15 discusses fair treatment and timely payment for workers. A contradiction might arise when this principle is compared with other biblical passages or historical practices where different forms of labor, such as slavery or indentured servitude, were common and accepted. There might be inconsistency between advocating for fair treatment of workers and other instances where such fairness isn't clearly practiced or enforced.

Paradox #3