Contradiction with Proverbs 3:5
Emphasizes trusting in the Lord with all your heart and not leaning on your own understanding, while Ephesians 5:17 encourages understanding what the will of the Lord is, implying a proactive approach to discernment.
Proverbs 3:5: Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.
Contradiction with Ecclesiastes 8:17
States that man cannot find out all the works of God, suggesting the futility of trying to understand divine will, opposing Ephesians 5:17 which encourages seeking understanding.
Ecclesiastes 8:17: Then I beheld all the work of God, that a man cannot find out the work that is done under the sun: because though a man labour to seek [it] out, yet he shall not find [it]; yea further; though a wise [man] think to know [it], yet shall he not be able to find [it].
Contradiction with Isaiah 55:8-9
Highlights that God's thoughts and ways are higher than ours, which could imply that humans cannot fully comprehend His will, in contrast to the directive in Ephesians 5:17 to understand the Lord's will.
Isaiah 55:8-9: For my thoughts [are] not your thoughts, neither [are] your ways my ways, saith the LORD.
Paradox #1
Ephesians 5:17 advises believers to understand God's will. A potential contradiction might arise if someone interprets God's will differently from others or claims their harmful actions align with God's will. This conflict can emerge when subjective interpretations lead to actions that seem morally questionable or harmful to others, despite the intention to follow divine guidance.