Contradiction with Ezekiel 24:16
This verse describes showing no outward mourning, whereas Ezekiel 24:23 specifies mourning inwardly.
Ezekiel 24:16: Son of man, behold, I take away from thee the desire of thine eyes with a stroke: yet neither shalt thou mourn nor weep, neither shall thy tears run down. [run down: Heb. go]
Contradiction with Matthew 5:4
This verse promises comfort for those who mourn, which contradicts the instruction to not openly mourn in Ezekiel 24:23.
Matthew 5:4: Blessed [are] they that mourn: for they shall be comforted.
Contradiction with 1 Thessalonians 4:13
Advises believers not to grieve like those without hope, contrasting with Ezekiel 24:23's directive to grieve inwardly.
1 Thessalonians 4:13: But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope.
Contradiction with Ecclesiastes 3:4
States there is a time to mourn, which seems at odds with the command to not overtly mourn in Ezekiel 24:23.
Ecclesiastes 3:4: A time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance;
Contradiction with John 16:20
This verse talks about sorrow turning to joy, whereas Ezekiel 24:23 instructs to suppress visible mourning.
John 16:20: Verily, verily, I say unto you, That ye shall weep and lament, but the world shall rejoice: and ye shall be sorrowful, but your sorrow shall be turned into joy.
Paradox #1
Ezekiel 24:23 describes a situation where God instructs the people not to mourn or show traditional signs of grief despite experiencing a tragic event. This could seem inconsistent with other parts of the Bible that show expressions of grief and mourning being natural and allowed, such as in the Book of Psalms or when Jesus weeps in the New Testament. The tension lies in why a consistent response to grief is disrupted in this instance.
Paradox #2
Ezekiel 24:23 could contain a moral conflict related to expressing emotions. The verse suggests acting against natural human feelings, like sadness, which can conflict with the common understanding that expressing emotions is healthy and important for personal well-being. This could seem inconsistent with other teachings that value honesty in expressing one's true feelings.