Contradiction with Proverbs 16:2
This verse highlights that all the ways of a man are pure in his own eyes, which contrasts with Ezekiel 36:32 emphasizing that God is not acting for their sake because their deeds are not commendable.
Proverbs 16:2: All the ways of a man [are] clean in his own eyes; but the LORD weigheth the spirits.
Contradiction with Luke 18:14
This verse states that those who humble themselves will be exalted, while Ezekiel 36:32 suggests the people are not worthy of exaltation due to their actions.
Luke 18:14: I tell you, this man went down to his house justified [rather] than the other: for every one that exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted.
Contradiction with Isaiah 64:6
It asserts that all righteousness is as filthy rags, implying unworthiness, which aligns yet contrasts with the idea in Ezekiel 36:32 that God is not helping due to their merit but for His own reasons.
Isaiah 64:6: But we are all as an unclean [thing], and all our righteousnesses [are] as filthy rags; and we all do fade as a leaf; and our iniquities, like the wind, have taken us away.
Contradiction with Romans 3:10
States there is none righteous, contradicting the notion in Ezekiel 36:32 about people potentially considering themselves deserving of favor.
Romans 3:10: As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one:
Contradiction with Philippians 2:3
Encourages doing nothing out of selfish ambition, whereas Ezekiel 36:32 points to how God is not acting due to the people's self-merit.
Philippians 2:3: [Let] nothing [be done] through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves.
Contradiction with Job 9:20
This verse illustrates the futility in man's own righteousness, juxtaposed with the idea in Ezekiel 36:32 that people might perceive themselves differently.
Job 9:20: If I justify myself, mine own mouth shall condemn me: [if I say], I [am] perfect, it shall also prove me perverse.
Paradox #1
The potential contradiction in Ezekiel 36:32 could revolve around the concept of human pride versus divine grace. The verse emphasizes that God’s actions are not for the sake of human righteousness but for His own name's sake. This may seem inconsistent with other parts of the Bible that highlight the importance of human goodness and actions. It underscores a tension between human efforts and the belief that God’s grace is independent of human merit.