Contradiction with Jeremiah 23:12
Isaiah 42:16 speaks of God's guidance along unknown paths, while Jeremiah 23:12 describes a path that is slippery and filled with darkness.
Jeremiah 23:12: Wherefore their way shall be unto them as slippery [ways] in the darkness: they shall be driven on, and fall therein: for I will bring evil upon them, [even] the year of their visitation, saith the LORD.
Contradiction with Proverbs 4:19
Isaiah 42:16 portrays a transformative illumination for those on the wrong path, yet Proverbs 4:19 suggests that the wicked are perpetually lost in darkness.
Proverbs 4:19: The way of the wicked [is] as darkness: they know not at what they stumble.
Contradiction with Matthew 13:13
While Isaiah 42:16 promises enlightenment to the blind, Matthew 13:13 indicates that some will see and still not perceive, remaining in darkness.
Matthew 13:13: Therefore speak I to them in parables: because they seeing see not; and hearing they hear not, neither do they understand.
Contradiction with John 9:41
In Isaiah 42:16, God actively guides and provides light to the blind; however, John 9:41 suggests that acknowledgment of blindness is required to receive such guidance.
John 9:41: Jesus said unto them, If ye were blind, ye should have no sin: but now ye say, We see; therefore your sin remaineth.
Contradiction with 2 Corinthians 4:4
Isaiah 42:16 indicates God brings light to the blind, but 2 Corinthians 4:4 speaks of the god of this world blinding minds to prevent them from seeing the light.
2 Corinthians 4:4: In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them.
Contradiction with Amos 8:9
Isaiah 42:16 promises light and clarity, while Amos 8:9 warns of a time when the sun will go down at noon and darkness will cover the earth.
Amos 8:9: And it shall come to pass in that day, saith the Lord GOD, that I will cause the sun to go down at noon, and I will darken the earth in the clear day:
Contradiction with Isaiah 6:10
Although Isaiah 42:16 describes God opening blind eyes, Isaiah 6:10 depicts God hardening hearts and minds to prevent understanding.
Isaiah 6:10: Make the heart of this people fat, and make their ears heavy, and shut their eyes; lest they see with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and understand with their heart, and convert, and be healed.
Paradox #1
The contradiction or inconsistency might stem from the idea that some people feel guided and others do not. Those who feel overlooked or left in confusion may see a conflict with the promise of guidance and clarity. This creates tension between expectation and personal experience.