Contradiction with Matthew 6:1
This verse emphasizes performing acts of righteousness in secret, rather than seeking glory from others, which contrasts with seeking honor from one another as criticized in John 5:44.
Matthew 6:1: Take heed that ye do not your alms before men, to be seen of them: otherwise ye have no reward of your Father which is in heaven. [alms: or, righteousness] [of your: or, with your]
Contradiction with Galatians 1:10
Paul's message here stresses serving Christ rather than seeking to please men, contradicting the idea of seeking honor from others as mentioned in John 5:44.
Galatians 1:10: For do I now persuade men, or God? or do I seek to please men? for if I yet pleased men, I should not be the servant of Christ.
Contradiction with 2 Corinthians 10:18
This verse teaches that being approved by the Lord, rather than seeking personal glory, is what matters, contradicting the pursuit of human honor in John 5:44.
2 Corinthians 10:18: For not he that commendeth himself is approved, but whom the Lord commendeth.
Contradiction with James 4:4
This verse condemns friendship with the world, which contrasts with seeking approval from others in the way suggested by John 5:44.
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.
Contradiction with Colossians 3:23
Encourages doing work heartily as for the Lord rather than for men, which contradicts the idea of seeking honor from one another in John 5:44.
Colossians 3:23: And whatsoever ye do, do [it] heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men;
Contradiction with Matthew 23:5-7
Highlights the Pharisees doing their works to be seen by men, which is similar to the human honor criticized in John 5:44.
Matthew 23:5-7: But all their works they do for to be seen of men: they make broad their phylacteries, and enlarge the borders of their garments, [phylacteries: pieces of parchment containing sentences of the law]
Paradox #1
The potential contradiction in John 5:44 could be the idea of seeking approval or glory from others rather than from God. This could conflict with situations where seeking approval from humans may seem necessary or beneficial in a social or community context. If people focus too much on divine approval, they might neglect important social responsibilities or relationships.