Jeremiah 8:10 Contradictions and Paradoxes

According to Jeremiah, God is saying that because the people are being greedy and telling lies, they will lose their families and their fields to others. It’s a warning that bad choices have consequences for everyone, even important people like prophets and priests.

Contradiction with Exodus 20:17

This verse, part of the Ten Commandments, forbids coveting anything that belongs to your neighbor, contrasting with the implication in Jeremiah 8:10 about greedy practices and taking others' property.

Exodus 20:17: Thou shalt not covet thy neighbour's house, thou shalt not covet thy neighbour's wife, nor his manservant, nor his maidservant, nor his ox, nor his ass, nor any thing that [is] thy neighbour's.

Contradiction with Proverbs 15:27

This verse states that a greedy person brings trouble to their family, contradicting the behavior described in Jeremiah 8:10 where greed leads to prosperity in the wrong way.

Proverbs 15:27: He that is greedy of gain troubleth his own house; but he that hateth gifts shall live.

Contradiction with Micah 6:8

This verse emphasizes practicing justice and kindness, opposing the actions in Jeremiah 8:10 where people are unjust and deceitful.

Micah 6:8: He hath shewed thee, O man, what [is] good; and what doth the LORD require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God? [walk...: Heb. humble thyself to walk]

Contradiction with 1 Timothy 6:10

This verse warns that the love of money is the root of all evil, contradicting the success pursued through greed in Jeremiah 8:10.

1 Timothy 6:10: For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows. [erred: or, been seduced]

Contradiction with Matthew 6:19-20

This verse advises against storing up earthly treasures, contradicting the material greed evident in Jeremiah 8:10.

Matthew 6:19-20: Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal:

Contradiction with Luke 12:15

This verse warns to be on guard against all kinds of greed, directly opposing the behavior referenced in Jeremiah 8:10.

Luke 12:15: And he said unto them, Take heed, and beware of covetousness: for a man's life consisteth not in the abundance of the things which he possesseth.

Paradox #1

Jeremiah 8:10 could be seen as conflicting with the idea that prosperity and success are always blessings from God. In this verse, people gain wealth through dishonest means, which might contradict the belief that all success is a sign of divine favor. This indicates that not all wealth and success are necessarily blessed by God, challenging a more straightforward interpretation of prosperity as divine approval.