Contradiction with James 5:16
While Ezekiel 14:20 suggests that the righteousness of the individual cannot save others, James 5:16 emphasizes the power of intercessory prayer for one another's healing and salvation.
James 5:16: Confess [your] faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.
Contradiction with 1 John 5:16
Ezekiel 14:20 indicates individual righteousness doesn't impact others' salvation, but 1 John 5:16 suggests that a person can pray for another's sin to be forgiven, implying influence over others' spiritual states.
1 John 5:16: If any man see his brother sin a sin [which is] not unto death, he shall ask, and he shall give him life for them that sin not unto death. There is a sin unto death: I do not say that he shall pray for it.
Contradiction with Romans 9:15
Ezekiel 14:20 focuses on individual righteousness limitations, yet Romans 9:15 emphasizes God's mercy, suggesting He can choose to extend grace beyond human righteousness.
Romans 9:15: For he saith to Moses, I will have mercy on whom I will have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I will have compassion.
Contradiction with 1 Corinthians 7:14
Ezekiel 14:20 asserts individual righteousness affects only oneself, but 1 Corinthians 7:14 implies that an unbelieving spouse is sanctified by a believing partner.
1 Corinthians 7:14: For the unbelieving husband is sanctified by the wife, and the unbelieving wife is sanctified by the husband: else were your children unclean; but now are they holy.
Contradiction with Genesis 18:32
This verse shows Abraham interceding for Sodom and implies collective salvation contingent on a few righteous people, contrary to Ezekiel 14:20.
Genesis 18:32: And he said, Oh let not the Lord be angry, and I will speak yet but this once: Peradventure ten shall be found there. And he said, I will not destroy [it] for ten's sake.
Paradox #1
Ezekiel 14:20 might seem to contradict the idea that the prayers or righteousness of a few can protect or save others. In some parts of the Bible, it's suggested that the prayers of righteous people can influence God to spare others, but this verse emphasizes individual responsibility and judgment. This might appear inconsistent with other messages about communal intercession or shared blessings through connections to righteous individuals.
Paradox #2
The contradiction or inconsistency in this verse could arise from the idea that even the presence of righteous individuals cannot prevent consequences or punishment for a community's wrongdoings. This might conflict with the notion that the presence or intercession of good people should lead to mercy or protection for others.