Job 20:23 Contradictions and Paradoxes

According to the author of the book of Job, this means that when a bad person thinks everything is going well and they are happy, God will be upset with them and punish them. It explains that God wants people to be good and not do bad things.

Contradiction with Psalm 37:29

This verse states that the righteous shall inherit the land and dwell in it forever, contrasting with Job 20:23 which implies punishment and wrath.

Psalm 37:29: The righteous shall inherit the land, and dwell therein for ever.

Contradiction with Matthew 5:5

This verse describes the meek as inheriting the earth, which contradicts the depiction of loss and suffering in Job 20:23.

Matthew 5:5: Blessed [are] the meek: for they shall inherit the earth.

Contradiction with Proverbs 11:21

This verse promises that the seed of the righteous shall be delivered, opposing the idea of punishment in Job 20:23.

Proverbs 11:21: [Though] hand [join] in hand, the wicked shall not be unpunished: but the seed of the righteous shall be delivered.

Contradiction with Romans 8:28

This verse suggests that all things work together for good for those who love God, which contradicts the impending wrath mentioned in Job 20:23.

Romans 8:28: And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to [his] purpose.

Contradiction with Psalm 91:10

This verse declares that no evil will befall the faithful, contrasting with the troubles described in Job 20:23.

Psalm 91:10: There shall no evil befall thee, neither shall any plague come nigh thy dwelling.

Contradiction with Hebrews 13:5

This verse assures that God will never leave nor forsake the faithful, which contrasts with the suffering described in Job 20:23.

Hebrews 13:5: [Let your] conversation [be] without covetousness; [and be] content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.

Paradox #1

The contradiction or conflict in Job 20:23 could be seen in the way it describes punishment or judgment. Some might struggle with the idea that someone reaching a high point in their life can suddenly be struck down as a form of divine justice. It may seem harsh or inconsistent with the concept of a loving and forgiving deity. This can cause tension between the ideas of justice and mercy.