James 1:21 Contradictions and Paradoxes

According to James, you should stop doing bad things and instead be gentle and open to learning and accepting God's teachings, because they can help save you. It's like planting good seeds in your heart that make you better and keep you safe.

Contradiction with Matthew 5:29

Suggests drastic measures for sin, rather than receiving with meekness.

Matthew 5:29: And if thy right eye offend thee, pluck it out, and cast [it] from thee: for it is profitable for thee that one of thy members should perish, and not [that] thy whole body should be cast into hell. [offend...: or, do cause thee to offend]

Contradiction with Proverbs 28:13

Encourages confessing and forsaking sins, contrasting with the quiet reception implied in James 1:21.

Proverbs 28:13: He that covereth his sins shall not prosper: but whoso confesseth and forsaketh [them] shall have mercy.

Contradiction with John 5:14

Jesus advises sinning no more, while James 1:21 focuses on meek reception of the word.

John 5:14: Afterward Jesus findeth him in the temple, and said unto him, Behold, thou art made whole: sin no more, lest a worse thing come unto thee.

Contradiction with Psalm 51:10

Speaks of creating a clean heart, whereas James 1:21 talks about receiving the word to save the soul.

Psalm 51:10: Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me. [right: or, constant]

Contradiction with 1 Corinthians 5:13

Commands removal of wicked person, contrasting with the meekness in receiving the implanted word.

1 Corinthians 5:13: But them that are without God judgeth. Therefore put away from among yourselves that wicked person.

Contradiction with Ezekiel 18:30

Calls for repentance and turning from sin, not just a meek reception of the word.

Ezekiel 18:30: Therefore I will judge you, O house of Israel, every one according to his ways, saith the Lord GOD. Repent, and turn [yourselves] from all your transgressions; so iniquity shall not be your ruin. [yourselves: or, others]

Contradiction with Galatians 6:1

Advises restoration in spirit of meekness, yet focuses on bearing burdens rather than receiving the word.

Galatians 6:1: Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted. [if: or, although]