Contradiction with Proverbs 10:6
Proverbs speaks of blessings upon the righteous and violence covering the wicked, whereas Ephesians 5:6 warns against being deceived by empty words, suggesting that consequences come from actions, not appearances or words.
Proverbs 10:6: Blessings [are] upon the head of the just: but violence covereth the mouth of the wicked.
Contradiction with Matthew 7:1
Matthew advises not to judge others, while Ephesians 5:6 suggests discernment to avoid being deceived by empty words.
Matthew 7:1: Judge not, that ye be not judged.
Contradiction with James 1:22
James encourages being doers of the word, contrasting with Ephesians 5:6's warning about the influence of deceptive words, suggesting actions speak louder than words.
James 1:22: But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.
Contradiction with Romans 14:13
Romans advises to not judge or put obstacles in another's way, while Ephesians 5:6 cautions against being swayed by others' empty words, implying a need for judgment in discernment.
Romans 14:13: Let us not therefore judge one another any more: but judge this rather, that no man put a stumblingblock or an occasion to fall in [his] brother's way.
Paradox #1
Ephesians 5:6 might be seen as contradicting the concept of a loving and forgiving God, as it speaks about God's wrath for certain behaviors, which could seem harsh compared to the overall message of love and forgiveness in other parts of the Bible.
Paradox #2
The potential contradiction or inconsistency in Ephesians 5:6 could be related to the idea of judgment and consequences for certain actions or beliefs. Some may see a conflict between the concept of grace and forgiveness and the warning against being misled by empty words, which can suggest a stricter view on behavior and belief. This could create tension between unconditional love and accountability.