Contradictions and Paradoxes in Luke 18:13

Check out Contradictions Catalog of Luke 18:13 for the comprehensive list of verses that contradicts Luke 18:13. Some key contradictions and paradoxes are described below.

According to Luke, the man prayed to God saying he was sorry for doing wrong things and asked for kindness. He felt very sorry and did not even look up because he knew he needed God's help.

Luke 18:13: And the publican, standing afar off, would not lift up so much as [his] eyes unto heaven, but smote upon his breast, saying, God be merciful to me a sinner.

Contradiction with Proverbs 16:5

This verse states that everyone proud in heart is an abomination to the Lord, but Luke 18:13 suggests God's mercy on the humble sinner, contrasting God's response to pride and humility.

Proverbs 16:5: Every one [that is] proud in heart [is] an abomination to the LORD: [though] hand [join] in hand, he shall not be unpunished. [unpunished: Heb. held innocent]

Contradiction with Job 35:12-13

These verses indicate that God does not hear the cries of prideful evildoers, contrasting with Luke 18:13 where God is merciful to the humble sinner.

Job 35:12-13: There they cry, but none giveth answer, because of the pride of evil men.

Contradiction with James 4:6

This verse states that God resists the proud but gives grace to the humble, which aligns with Luke 18:13 rather than contradicting it; it shows a consistency in the biblical theme.

James 4:6: But he giveth more grace. Wherefore he saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble.

Contradiction with Romans 2:4

This verse emphasizes the riches of God's kindness leading to repentance, contradicting the notion in Luke 18:13 that mercy is immediate without acknowledging a preceding process of repentance.

Romans 2:4: Or despisest thou the riches of his goodness and forbearance and longsuffering; not knowing that the goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance?

Contradiction with 1 John 1:8-9

These verses indicate the need for confession for forgiveness, while Luke 18:13 shows the sinner receiving mercy based purely on his humble plea, suggesting a contradiction in the process towards forgiveness.

1 John 1:8-9: If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.

Paradox #1

The moral conflict in that passage could be the tension between humility and self-righteousness. It highlights the importance of being humble and acknowledging one's faults, contrasting with the tendency to feel morally superior to others. This can lead to a reflection on whether one's humility is genuine or if it becomes a form of self-righteousness itself.

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