Contradiction with Exodus 20:4
Habakkuk 2:18 refers to the futility of idols, while Exodus 20:4 commands not to make idols.
Exodus 20:4: Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image, or any likeness [of any thing] that [is] in heaven above, or that [is] in the earth beneath, or that [is] in the water under the earth:
Contradiction with Isaiah 42:17
Those who trust in idols will be turned away, contradicting the creation and teaching of idols.
Isaiah 42:17: They shall be turned back, they shall be greatly ashamed, that trust in graven images, that say to the molten images, Ye [are] our gods.
Contradiction with Jeremiah 10:5
Describes idols as powerless, unlike the crafted and worshipped idols critiqued in Habakkuk.
Jeremiah 10:5: They [are] upright as the palm tree, but speak not: they must needs be borne, because they cannot go. Be not afraid of them; for they cannot do evil, neither also [is it] in them to do good.
Contradiction with Psalm 115:4-8
Depicts idols as lifeless, in contradiction to the notion of them teaching, as mentioned in Habakkuk.
Psalm 115:4-8: Their idols [are] silver and gold, the work of men's hands.
Contradiction with 1 Corinthians 8:4
Affirms that idols are nothing in the world, opposing the idea of them being able to instruct.
1 Corinthians 8:4: As concerning therefore the eating of those things that are offered in sacrifice unto idols, we know that an idol [is] nothing in the world, and that [there is] none other God but one.
Contradiction with Deuteronomy 4:28
Tells that idols cannot see or hear, contrasting with the concept of idols in Habakkuk being meant to communicate wisdom or guidance.
Deuteronomy 4:28: And there ye shall serve gods, the work of men's hands, wood and stone, which neither see, nor hear, nor eat, nor smell.
Paradox #1
The biblical verse in question critiques the creation of idols and the reliance on them for guidance or power. A potential contradiction might arise when considering regions in the Bible where God commands the making of specific objects that could be seen as idols, such as the bronze serpent or the cherubim on the Ark of the Covenant. The inconsistency could lie in the perceived difference between forbidden idol worship and the sanctioned creation of religious symbols. However, the key distinction is the intent and purpose, with idol worship being condemned and objects serving as reminders of God's covenant and presence being allowed.
Paradox #2
The verse speaks about the futility of creating and worshiping idols made by humans. A contradiction could arise if one interprets the creation of idols as having real power or life, which conflicts with scientific understanding that such objects are inanimate and don't possess consciousness or supernatural abilities.
Paradox #3
The contradiction of Habakkuk 2:18 could be that it criticizes the creation and worship of idols, yet some religious practices involve using objects or images to aid in worship. This could lead to confusion about what is acceptable in worship practices.