Contradiction with Numbers 23:19
Depicts God's truthfulness and consistency, contradicting the depiction of prophets in Jeremiah 23:14 spreading lies.
Numbers 23:19: God [is] not a man, that he should lie; neither the son of man, that he should repent: hath he said, and shall he not do [it]? or hath he spoken, and shall he not make it good?
Contradiction with Isaiah 6:3
Highlights the holiness of God, contrasting with the moral corruption of prophets described in Jeremiah 23:14.
Isaiah 6:3: And one cried unto another, and said, Holy, holy, holy, [is] the LORD of hosts: the whole earth [is] full of his glory. [one...: Heb. this cried to this] [the whole...: Heb. his glory is the fulness of the whole earth]
Contradiction with 1 John 3:9
States that those born of God do not continue in sin, which contradicts the sinful behavior of prophets in Jeremiah 23:14.
1 John 3:9: Whosoever is born of God doth not commit sin; for his seed remaineth in him: and he cannot sin, because he is born of God. [is born: or, has been born]
Contradiction with Matthew 7:15
Warns against false prophets, which suggests awareness and avoidance, contrary to the corruption highlighted in Jeremiah 23:14.
Matthew 7:15: Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves.
Contradiction with Romans 6:1-2
Emphasizes that believers should not continue in sin, contrary to the sinful actions described in Jeremiah 23:14.
Romans 6:1-2: What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound?
Contradiction with James 1:22
Encourages believers to be doers of the word, not hearers only, contradicting the hypocrisy implied in Jeremiah 23:14.
James 1:22: But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.
Contradiction with Ephesians 5:11
Instructs believers to take no part in the unfruitful works of darkness, contrasting with the actions of prophets in Jeremiah 23:14.
Ephesians 5:11: And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove [them].
Paradox #1
Jeremiah 23:14 criticizes the conduct of prophets in Jerusalem, accusing them of acting like adulterers and liars. Some might see a contradiction or conflict here because prophets are typically viewed as messengers of God, expected to guide people in righteousness. If these prophets are being described as morally corrupt, it raises questions about the integrity and reliability of God’s messengers. However, others may interpret it as a critique of false prophets, distinguishing them from true prophets who genuinely follow God's teachings. This highlights the issue of discerning true guidance in religious contexts.
Paradox #2
The verse highlights the wrongdoing of the prophets and compares their behavior to immoral actions, suggesting that those who are supposed to lead and guide morally are themselves acting wrongly. The contradiction lies in religious leaders, expected to uphold truth and integrity, instead engaging in and promoting unethical behavior. This clash between expected behavior and actual conduct creates a moral inconsistency.