Contradiction with Exodus 20:3
Contradicts as it commands having no other gods, while Hosea 4:12 speaks of people consulting wooden idols.
Exodus 20:3: Thou shalt have no other gods before me.
Contradiction with Isaiah 42:8
Contradicts as it states God will not give His glory to idols, while Hosea 4:12 shows people turning to them.
Isaiah 42:8: I [am] the LORD: that [is] my name: and my glory will I not give to another, neither my praise to graven images.
Contradiction with Jeremiah 10:5
Contradicts by mocking the helplessness of idols, whereas Hosea 4:12 mentions people seeking counsel from them.
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 115:4-7
Contradicts as it describes idols as man-made and powerless, contrasting with people in Hosea 4:12 turning to them.
Psalm 115:4-7: Their idols [are] silver and gold, the work of men's hands.
Contradiction with 1 Corinthians 10:14
Contradicts by advising fleeing from idolatry, while Hosea 4:12 shows people engaging in it.
1 Corinthians 10:14: Wherefore, my dearly beloved, flee from idolatry.
Contradiction with Deuteronomy 18:10-12
Contradicts by condemning divination and sorcery, whereas Hosea 4:12 involves spirit of whoredom leading astray through divination.
Deuteronomy 18:10-12: There shall not be found among you [any one] that maketh his son or his daughter to pass through the fire, [or] that useth divination, [or] an observer of times, or an enchanter, or a witch,
Contradiction with Matthew 6:24
Contradicts by stating no one can serve two masters, while Hosea 4:12 shows people divided in loyalty, seeking idols.
Matthew 6:24: No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon.
Paradox #1
Hosea 4:12 could be seen as conflicting with parts of scripture that emphasize exclusive worship of God and guidance from Him alone, such as in Exodus 20:4-5, where the Ten Commandments prohibit idolatry and other forms of divination. This conflict arises when individuals seek guidance and support from idols or other sources instead of relying solely on God. It's more about the emphasis on turning away from God and seeking wisdom elsewhere, which is discouraged in other parts of the Bible.
Paradox #2
Hosea 4:12 refers to people seeking guidance from wooden idols or divination, which lacks scientific basis. Science relies on empirical evidence and rational methods, whereas seeking answers from inanimate objects does not align with these principles.
Paradox #3
The contradiction or inconsistency in Hosea 4:12 could be seen as the critique of people seeking guidance from idols or inanimate objects instead of relying on a direct relationship with a living, moral God. This could conflict with the idea of free will, as it both criticizes the choice and implicitly acknowledges the human tendency to seek guidance elsewhere, reflecting on the complexity of faith and choice.