Contradiction with Exodus 20:12
Encourages honoring parents, whereas Ezekiel 20:18 advises against following the ways of the fathers.
Exodus 20:12: Honour thy father and thy mother: that thy days may be long upon the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee.
Contradiction with Deuteronomy 5:16
Commands to honor one's father and mother, seeming to contradict Ezekiel 20:18's warning against following paternal ways.
Deuteronomy 5:16: Honour thy father and thy mother, as the LORD thy God hath commanded thee; that thy days may be prolonged, and that it may go well with thee, in the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee.
Contradiction with Proverbs 1:8
Advises listening to a father's instruction, in contrast to the warning against following fathers' ways in Ezekiel 20:18.
Proverbs 1:8: My son, hear the instruction of thy father, and forsake not the law of thy mother:
Contradiction with Ephesians 6:2
Reiterates the commandment to honor parents, differing from Ezekiel 20:18's caution against parental conduct.
Ephesians 6:2: Honour thy father and mother; (which is the first commandment with promise;)
Paradox #1
The verse advises against following the practices of a previous generation, suggesting they were not ideal. A possible theological conflict might arise with concepts of honoring one's parents and ancestors, as seen in other parts of the Bible, like the commandment to honor your father and mother. This could seem like a contradiction in terms of which guidance to prioritize.
Paradox #2
The potential contradiction in Ezekiel 20:18 could be seen in the instruction to not follow the practices of the ancestors, which may seem to conflict with other parts of the Bible that emphasize honoring one's parents and ancestors. This could create confusion about when to reject or uphold traditional ways.