Contradiction with Proverbs 29:25
Exodus 20:20 suggests not to fear, while Proverbs 29:25 indicates that fear of man brings a snare.
Proverbs 29:25: The fear of man bringeth a snare: but whoso putteth his trust in the LORD shall be safe. [safe: Heb. set on high]
Contradiction with Isaiah 41:10
Exodus 20:20 instructs fearing God, yet Isaiah 41:10 says "fear not" for God is with you.
Isaiah 41:10: Fear thou not; for I [am] with thee: be not dismayed; for I [am] thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.
Contradiction with 1 John 4:18
Exodus 20:20 mentions fear before God, but 1 John 4:18 states that perfect love casts out fear.
1 John 4:18: There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love.
Contradiction with Romans 8:15
Exodus 20:20 implies fear as a deterrent, whereas Romans 8:15 says believers have not received a spirit of bondage again to fear.
Romans 8:15: For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father.
Contradiction with 2 Timothy 1:7
Exodus 20:20 suggests fear, while 2 Timothy 1:7 says God has not given the spirit of fear.
2 Timothy 1:7: For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.
Paradox #1
Exodus 20:20, where Moses tells the people not to be afraid because God has come to test them, and that the fear of God will keep them from sinning, can seem contradictory because it suggests both fearing and not fearing God. The idea is to differentiate between being terrified of God versus having a respectful, awe-inspired fear that leads to obedience.
Paradox #2
Exodus 20:20 might seem to contradict itself because it says not to be afraid, but that fear is meant to keep people from sinning. This can be confusing since fear is usually seen as something negative, yet here it is portrayed as having a positive purpose.