Contradiction with Matthew 7:7-8
These verses suggest that asking in prayer will lead to receiving, which contradicts James 4:2's mention of not having because of not asking.
Matthew 7:7-8: Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you:
Contradiction with John 14:13-14
These verses imply asking in Jesus' name guarantees receiving, contrasting with the suggestion in James 4:2 of not receiving due to improper requests.
John 14:13-14: And whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son.
Contradiction with 1 John 5:14-15
These verses state that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us, which might contrast with the idea in James 4:2 that people do not receive because they do not ask.
1 John 5:14-15: And this is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask any thing according to his will, he heareth us: [in: or, concerning]
Contradiction with Luke 11:9-10
These verses repeat the promise that asking shall lead to receiving, which contrasts with James 4:2's implication of lacking due to not asking or asking wrongly.
Luke 11:9-10: And I say unto you, Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you.
Contradiction with Mark 11:24
This verse implies faith in prayer leads to receiving what is asked, which may contradict the situation James 4:2 describes of not having due to not asking.
Mark 11:24: Therefore I say unto you, What things soever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive [them], and ye shall have [them].
Paradox #1
James 4:2 might seem contradictory when compared to other biblical teachings if it suggests that lack of receiving is solely due to not asking, while other scriptures emphasize God's will, timing, and broader plans. Some might see a conflict in the idea that just asking is sufficient, without considering these other aspects. However, this can be reconciled by understanding the verse in context, as encouraging prayer and aligning one's desires with God's will.
Paradox #2
James 4:2 suggests that people do not have because they do not ask God. Some might see a contradiction with other teachings in the Bible where it is shown that God knows our needs without having to ask, such as Matthew 6:8. The potential conflict is about whether asking is necessary if God already knows what we need.
Paradox #3
The potential conflict in James 4:2 might arise from the idea that it suggests people don't receive what they want because they don't ask for it. This can be inconsistent with experiences where people ask and still don't receive, leading to confusion about the nature of prayer and divine intervention. It raises questions about why deserving requests aren't granted and how this aligns with the belief in a just and benevolent deity.