Contradiction with John 3:16
This verse highlights God's love for the world, contradicting James 4:4 which presents friendship with the world as enmity with God.
John 3:16: For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
Contradiction with 1 Timothy 4:4
This verse states that every creature of God is good, as long as it is received with thanksgiving, implying a positive view of what is created, which contradicts the negative view of worldly attachment seen in James 4:4.
1 Timothy 4:4: For every creature of God [is] good, and nothing to be refused, if it be received with thanksgiving:
Contradiction with Psalm 24:1
This verse declares that the earth is the Lord’s, and all its fullness, suggesting a shared possession with God that contrasts the view of worldly friendship as hostility towards God in James 4:4.
Psalm 24:1: [A Psalm of David.] The earth [is] the LORD'S, and the fulness thereof; the world, and they that dwell therein.
Contradiction with Genesis 1:31
After creation, God saw everything He had made, and it was very good, contrasting with James 4:4's negative view of engaging with the world.
Genesis 1:31: And God saw every thing that he had made, and, behold, [it was] very good. And the evening and the morning were the sixth day. [And the evening...: Heb. And the evening was, and the morning was etc.]
Contradiction with Romans 13:1-2
This passage instructs believers to submit to governing authorities, which are part of the worldly systems, contrasting with James 4:4's depiction of such alignment as enmity with God.
Romans 13:1-2: Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God. [ordained: or, ordered]
Paradox #1
James 4:4 might seem contradictory because it emphasizes that friendship with the world is hostility toward God, which can seem conflicting with the idea of loving your neighbor or being part of the world to spread love and compassion. This tension poses a challenge in balancing engagement with the world while maintaining spiritual integrity.
Paradox #2
Some see a contradiction between James 4:4 and other biblical teachings about love and relationships with non-believers. James 4:4 warns against friendship with the world, which is often interpreted as being at odds with loving everyone, including non-believers. The conflict arises because Christians are taught to live in the world with love and compassion, leading some to question how to balance these teachings.