Contradiction with Ecclesiastes 7:16
This verse advises against being overly righteous, which may seem contradictory to the idea of "putting off" the old, corrupt way of living to embrace righteousness.
Ecclesiastes 7:16: Be not righteous over much; neither make thyself over wise: why shouldest thou destroy thyself? [destroy...: Heb. be desolate?]
Contradiction with Romans 7:15
Paul describes the struggle of doing what one hates, which contradicts the idea of decisively putting off the old self without difficulty.
Romans 7:15: For that which I do I allow not: for what I would, that do I not; but what I hate, that do I. [allow: Gr. know]
Contradiction with 1 Corinthians 5:7
This verse suggests purging out the old, which seems similar but contrasts with the idea of renewal in Ephesians, emphasizing immediate action rather than ongoing renewal.
1 Corinthians 5:7: Purge out therefore the old leaven, that ye may be a new lump, as ye are unleavened. For even Christ our passover is sacrificed for us: [is sacrificed; or, is slain]
Contradiction with Isaiah 64:6
Here, even righteous acts are considered filthy, which contradicts Ephesians 4:22's implication that discarding old behaviors leads directly to righteousness.
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.
Contradiction with Romans 3:10
States there is none righteous, which contrasts with Ephesians 4:22's implication that one can achieve righteousness by abandoning the old self.
Romans 3:10: As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one:
Contradiction with Jeremiah 13:23
Implies that it may be impossible to change one’s nature, contradicting Ephesians 4:22's notion of putting off the old self for transformation.
Jeremiah 13:23: Can the Ethiopian change his skin, or the leopard his spots? [then] may ye also do good, that are accustomed to do evil. [accustomed: Heb. taught]
Contradiction with Genesis 8:21
Asserts man's nature is inherently evil from youth, contradicting the idea that one can simply 'put off' the old self.
Genesis 8:21: And the LORD smelled a sweet savour; and the LORD said in his heart, I will not again curse the ground any more for man's sake; for the imagination of man's heart [is] evil from his youth; neither will I again smite any more every thing living, as I have done. [a sweet...: Heb. a savour of rest or, satisfaction] [for the imagination: or, through the imagination]
Contradiction with Proverbs 20:9
Questions who can say they have made their heart pure, contradictory to Ephesians 4:22's encouragement to abandon the old corrupt life.
Proverbs 20:9: Who can say, I have made my heart clean, I am pure from my sin?
Paradox #1
Ephesians 4:22 talks about putting away your old self and its negative habits. A possible contradiction or conflict could arise when someone struggles with changing their behavior. They may feel guilty for not being able to fully leave behind old habits or ways of thinking, which could create an internal conflict between their desire to change and their ability to do so. This can lead to feelings of frustration or inadequacy.