Contradictions and Paradoxes in Luke 14:12

Check out Contradictions Catalog of Luke 14:12 for the comprehensive list of verses that contradicts Luke 14:12. Some key contradictions and paradoxes are described below.

According to Luke, Jesus is teaching that when you have a party, you should invite people who can’t pay you back, like those who are poor or lonely. This way, you show kindness without expecting a reward.

Luke 14:12: Then said he also to him that bade him, When thou makest a dinner or a supper, call not thy friends, nor thy brethren, neither thy kinsmen, nor [thy] rich neighbours; lest they also bid thee again, and a recompence be made thee.

Contradiction with Proverbs 25:21

This verse encourages us to feed our enemies, which might seem contradictory to the selective invitation advised in Luke 14:12.

Proverbs 25:21: If thine enemy be hungry, give him bread to eat; and if he be thirsty, give him water to drink:

Contradiction with Matthew 5:44

This verse commands us to love our enemies and do good to them, which could contrast with inviting only those who cannot repay.

Matthew 5:44: But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you;

Contradiction with Psalms 41:1

Suggests blessing those who consider the poor, whereas Luke 14:12 suggests benefitting those who cannot repay by inviting them instead.

Psalms 41:1: [To the chief Musician, A Psalm of David.] Blessed [is] he that considereth the poor: the LORD will deliver him in time of trouble. [the poor: or, the weak, or, sick] [in time...: Heb. in the day of evil]

Contradiction with James 2:2-4

Advises not to show partiality, whereas Luke 14:12 might seem to advise excluding some for a greater heavenly reward.

James 2:2-4: For if there come unto your assembly a man with a gold ring, in goodly apparel, and there come in also a poor man in vile raiment; [assembly: Gr. synagogue]

Contradiction with 1 Timothy 6:17-18

Encourages the rich to share and be generous with their wealth, not just to those who cannot repay, which could be seen as contradicting Luke 14:12's suggestion to invite the less fortunate exclusively.

1 Timothy 6:17-18: Charge them that are rich in this world, that they be not highminded, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy; [uncertain...: Gr. uncertainty of riches]

Paradox #1

The contradiction or conflict in Luke 14:12 could be seen as challenging social norms and personal interests. The verse suggests inviting those who cannot repay you, which contradicts common practices of reciprocal hospitality, where people usually invite others expecting a return invitation or favor. This teaching might conflict with human instincts or societal expectations of mutual benefit and fairness.

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