Contradiction with Proverbs 17:15
This verse states, "He that justifieth the wicked, and he that condemneth the just, even they both are abomination to the Lord." It contradicts Exodus 23:1 because justifying the wicked could align with bearing false witness, which Exodus 23:1 warns against.
Proverbs 17:15: He that justifieth the wicked, and he that condemneth the just, even they both [are] abomination to the LORD.
Contradiction with Isaiah 5:23
This verse mentions, "Which justify the wicked for reward, and take away the righteousness of the righteous from him!" It opposes Exodus 23:1 as it deals with the distortion of justice through false reports, similar to justifying the wicked.
Isaiah 5:23: Which justify the wicked for reward, and take away the righteousness of the righteous from him!
Contradiction with Matthew 5:11
This verse suggests that believers are blessed when others falsely revile them. It can contradict Exodus 23:1's directive against being a false witness, highlighting the mixed actions of others speaking falsely against the faithful.
Matthew 5:11: Blessed are ye, when [men] shall revile you, and persecute [you], and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake. [falsely: Gr. lying]
Paradox #1
Exodus 23:1 warns against spreading false reports or joining with the wicked to be a malicious witness. A possible contradiction could arise when compared to passages that emphasize God's command to spread the truth and uphold justice, such as the Ninth Commandment about not bearing false witness. The contradiction might occur if someone interprets certain actions of biblical figures, like God sending lying spirits (as depicted in 1 Kings 22:23), as seemingly in conflict with the directive against being a false witness. This can create tension between understanding divine actions and human moral responsibilities.
Paradox #2
Exodus 23:1 talks about not spreading false reports or lying. The potential contradiction might come when considering stories in the Bible where individuals like Rahab in the Book of Joshua are seen lying for a good cause, such as protecting others. Some might see this as inconsistent with the command not to lie.
Paradox #3
Exodus 23:1 advises against spreading false reports and joining with the wicked to be a malicious witness. A potential contradiction could arise in contexts where the Bible itself contains stories or laws that appear to change or differ across different books, leading to questions about consistency in what is considered truthful or lawful testimony. This could result in discussions about how to apply the principle when different sections of scripture might be interpreted in varied ways.
Paradox #4
Exodus 23:1 advises against spreading false reports and being a deceitful witness. A contradiction might arise if someone values honesty but is in a situation where telling the truth could cause harm or conflict, leading to an ethical dilemma between honesty and kindness or peace.