Contradiction with Psalm 86:5
Ezekiel 11:21 emphasizes recompense for sin, while Psalm 86:5 highlights God's readiness to forgive and abundant mercy.
Psalm 86:5: For thou, Lord, [art] good, and ready to forgive; and plenteous in mercy unto all them that call upon thee.
Contradiction with Isaiah 55:7
Ezekiel 11:21 speaks of sure recompense for wrongdoing, yet Isaiah 55:7 suggests that God will have mercy and abundantly pardon upon repentance.
Isaiah 55:7: Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts: and let him return unto the LORD, and he will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon. [the unrighteous...: Heb. the man of iniquity] [abundantly...: Heb. multiply to pardon]
Contradiction with Matthew 5:45
Ezekiel 11:21 implies divine justice specific to sinners, whereas Matthew 5:45 notes that God allows blessings like rain and sunshine on both the good and evil.
Matthew 5:45: That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust.
Contradiction with 1 John 1:9
Ezekiel 11:21 speaks of recompense without mention of forgiveness, in contrast, 1 John 1:9 emphasizes God’s faithfulness to forgive when we confess.
1 John 1:9: If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us [our] sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
Contradiction with Romans 5:20
Ezekiel 11:21 highlights punishment for sin, while Romans 5:20 suggests that where sin increased, grace abounded even more, focusing on grace over punishment.
Romans 5:20: Moreover the law entered, that the offence might abound. But where sin abounded, grace did much more abound:
Paradox #1
Ezekiel 11:21 talks about God punishing those who follow wickedness in their hearts. Some people might see a contradiction or conflict in this idea with the concept of God's forgiveness and mercy taught elsewhere in the Bible. While God is often described as forgiving, this verse emphasizes judgment and punishment, which might seem inconsistent to some readers.
Paradox #2
This verse may present a contradiction or conflict for some people because it suggests that individuals who follow their own desires instead of God's guidance will face negative consequences. This can conflict with modern values of personal freedom and autonomy, where following one's own path is often seen as a positive and self-fulfilling choice.