Contradiction with Ezekiel 18:25
Both verses discuss fairness and equity, questioning the fairness of God's way. However, Ezekiel 18:25 suggests that it is not God's way that is unequal but people's understanding, which seems to agree rather than contradict.
Ezekiel 18:25: Yet ye say, The way of the Lord is not equal. Hear now, O house of Israel; Is not my way equal? are not your ways unequal?
Contradiction with Matthew 20:15
This verse emphasizes God's sovereignty and the right to dispense grace or judgment as He chooses, potentially contrasting with the idea of perceived fairness in judgment highlighted in Ezekiel 33:20.
Matthew 20:15: Is it not lawful for me to do what I will with mine own? Is thine eye evil, because I am good?
Contradiction with Romans 9:14
This verse argues that there is no unrighteousness with God, which might oppose the suggestion in Ezekiel 33:20 of people questioning God's fairness.
Romans 9:14: What shall we say then? [Is there] unrighteousness with God? God forbid.
Contradiction with Psalm 89:14
Psalms states that righteousness and justice are foundational to God's throne, potentially contradicting any implication in Ezekiel 33:20 questioning God's judgment.
Psalm 89:14: Justice and judgment [are] the habitation of thy throne: mercy and truth shall go before thy face. [habitation: or, establishment]
Contradiction with Isaiah 55:8-9
Highlights that God's ways and thoughts are higher than human ways, indirectly contradicting any notion in Ezekiel 33:20 that suggests human judgment might be more correct than God's.
Isaiah 55:8-9: For my thoughts [are] not your thoughts, neither [are] your ways my ways, saith the LORD.
Paradox #1
Ezekiel 33:20 might seem inconsistent because it suggests that God judges people individually and fairly based on their actions, emphasizing personal responsibility. This could appear to contradict other parts of the Bible where it seems that people are sometimes judged as groups or judged by God's grace rather than their deeds. However, different contexts and themes in the Bible often address various aspects of justice and mercy, so these differences might be harmonized in broader theological interpretations.
Paradox #2
The contradiction in Ezekiel 33:20 could be seen in the idea of fairness and justice. Some might argue that divine justice, as presented, seems inconsistent with human ideas of fairness because it can appear subjective or arbitrary. People might struggle with the concept of being judged by divine standards that may not align with human understanding or experiences of fairness.