Job 22:21 Contradictions and Paradoxes

According to the writer of the Book of Job, if you get to know and be friends with God, you will feel calm and good things will happen to you. It's like making a new friend who is always kind and helpful.

Contradiction with Proverbs 3:5

Emphasizes trust in the Lord rather than reliance on one’s own understanding, contrasting with the implication of self-security in Job 22:21.

Proverbs 3:5: Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.

Contradiction with Ecclesiastes 7:20

Highlights that no one on earth is always good and never sins, contradicting the peace through righteousness implication.

Ecclesiastes 7:20: For [there is] not a just man upon earth, that doeth good, and sinneth not.

Contradiction with Isaiah 57:21

Declares there is no peace for the wicked, contrasting with the suggestion of peace through acquaintance with God.

Isaiah 57:21: [There is] no peace, saith my God, to the wicked.

Contradiction with Romans 3:10

States that none are righteous, challenging the association of righteousness with peace in Job 22:21.

Romans 3:10: As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one:

Contradiction with James 4:4

Asserts friendship with the world is enmity with God, contradicting the concept of worldly peace through alignment with God.

James 4:4: Ye adulterers and adulteresses, know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God? whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God.

Paradox #1

The verse suggests that by agreeing with God, you will find peace and good things will follow. A potential contradiction could be that not all people who follow God or live a righteous life experience peace or prosperity. In reality, many face challenges and sufferings, which may seem inconsistent with the promise made in the verse.

Paradox #2

The contradiction or conflict in the message of Job 22:21 could stem from the idea that simply submitting to a higher power or divine being will lead to peace and good outcomes. This might seem contradictory to some because it implies that complex issues or suffering in life can be resolved through submission alone, which may not align with everyone’s understanding that personal effort and action are also necessary for resolving problems and achieving peace.