Contradiction with Jeremiah 17:5
This verse states that trusting in man rather than in God leads to a curse, while Deuteronomy 30:20 emphasizes trusting and cleaving to God for life and prosperity.
Jeremiah 17:5: Thus saith the LORD; Cursed [be] the man that trusteth in man, and maketh flesh his arm, and whose heart departeth from the LORD.
Contradiction with Romans 4:5
This verse talks about faith being counted for righteousness without works, which may seem to contrast with Deuteronomy 30:20's emphasis on loving and obeying God as acts leading to life.
Romans 4:5: But to him that worketh not, but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness.
Contradiction with Ecclesiastes 9:11
This verse suggests that time and chance happen to everyone and not necessarily divine favor, contrasting with Deuteronomy 30:20, which links prosperity to obedience to God.
Ecclesiastes 9:11: I returned, and saw under the sun, that the race [is] not to the swift, nor the battle to the strong, neither yet bread to the wise, nor yet riches to men of understanding, nor yet favour to men of skill; but time and chance happeneth to them all.
Contradiction with Matthew 10:37
This verse prioritizes love for Christ above familial ties, which can seem at odds with Deuteronomy 30:20's broader command to love God for life.
Matthew 10:37: He that loveth father or mother more than me is not worthy of me: and he that loveth son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me.
Contradiction with Luke 14:26
This verse suggests that to be a disciple one must "hate" family by comparison to devotion to Christ, which contrasts with Deuteronomy 30:20's incorporation of love for family through obedience to God.
Luke 14:26: If any [man] come to me, and hate not his father, and mother, and wife, and children, and brethren, and sisters, yea, and his own life also, he cannot be my disciple.
Contradiction with John 3:16
This verse emphasizes belief in Christ for eternal life rather than the adherence to God's commandments for life, seemingly contrasting with Deuteronomy 30:20.
John 3:16: For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
Contradiction with Galatians 3:10
This verse states that those who rely on the works of the law are under a curse, which contradicts the idea in Deuteronomy 30:20 that holding fast to God's commands leads to life.
Galatians 3:10: For as many as are of the works of the law are under the curse: for it is written, Cursed [is] every one that continueth not in all things which are written in the book of the law to do them.
Contradiction with Romans 3:28
This verse promotes faith alone without the deeds of the law for justification, differing from Deuteronomy 30:20's message about the necessity of following God's commandments to thrive.
Romans 3:28: Therefore we conclude that a man is justified by faith without the deeds of the law.
Contradiction with Hebrews 7:19
This verse claims the law made nothing perfect and introduces a better hope through which we draw near to God, contrasting with the Deuteronomy message of the law leading to life.
Hebrews 7:19: For the law made nothing perfect, but the bringing in of a better hope [did]; by the which we draw nigh unto God. [the bringing...: or, it was the bringing in]
Paradox #1
Deuteronomy 30:20 emphasizes loving God, listening to His voice, and holding fast to Him, promising prosperity and long life in the land. A potential contradiction arises when considering the notion of universal experiences, such as suffering or misfortune, faced by believers who remain faithful. This could seem inconsistent with the direct link between obedience and material or earthly prosperity suggested in the verse.
Paradox #2
Some people might see a contradiction in Deuteronomy 30:20 with other parts of the Bible regarding the conditions for receiving God's blessings. This verse emphasizes obedience and love towards God as a requirement for life and prosperity. However, Paul in the New Testament argues in Romans and Galatians that faith, not works, is what makes a person righteous before God. The potential conflict lies in the emphasis on obedience and law in the Old Testament versus faith and grace in the New Testament.
Paradox #3
One potential contradiction in the message of Deuteronomy 30:20 is the emphasis on loving and obeying God as a requirement for life and prosperity. This can seem inconsistent with the concept of free will, where love and obedience should ideally be voluntary acts rather than obligations tied to rewards or survival. The idea that love and obedience are linked directly to life's outcomes might conflict with the moral belief that actions should be genuine and not primarily motivated by expected benefits.