Contradiction with John 15:18-19
Luke 6:26 warns against being well spoken of by everyone, implying that true followers may face disdain, while John 15:18-19 supports this by stating that the world will hate true followers of Christ.
John 15:18-19: If the world hate you, ye know that it hated me before [it hated] you.
Contradiction with Matthew 5:44
Luke 6:26 implies caution against universal praise, while Matthew 5:44 encourages loving and praying for those who persecute you, indirectly acknowledging you will have enemies and are not universally praised.
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 James 4:4
Luke 6:26 warns against being well-liked by all, suggesting that being a friend of the world is at odds with God’s ways, whereas James 4:4 states friendship with the world is enmity against God, emphasizing incompatibility with the world's approval.
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 John 16:33
Luke 6:26 suggests that universal approval is suspect, whereas John 16:33 states believers will have tribulation in the world but peace in Christ, implying that worldly approval is not the norm for believers.
John 16:33: These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.
Contradiction with 2 Timothy 3:12
Luke 6:26 signals beware when all speak well of you, whereas 2 Timothy 3:12 asserts that all who live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution, indicating that universal praise is unlikely for true followers.
2 Timothy 3:12: Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution.
Paradox #1
Luke 6:26 advises caution about being praised by everyone, similar warnings appear elsewhere about seeking the approval of people rather than God. On the other hand, many parts of the Bible encourage living in a way that is respected by others or being a light to the world. This could seem inconsistent if taken to suggest seeking any form of praise is bad, although the Bible typically distinguishes between seeking human praise and living rightly for God's approval. However, the potential contradiction is about balance and intent—it's not saying you should never be liked, but rather to prioritize God's approval over others'.
Paradox #2
Luke 6:26 might be seen as contradictory because it warns against receiving praise from everyone, suggesting that such universal approval can be a sign of falsehood or deceit. This can conflict with the idea that being well-liked or respected is often seen as positive in other biblical contexts. The contradiction lies in balancing the desire for a good reputation and being wary of praise.
Paradox #3
Luke 6:26 raises a possible contradiction by suggesting that being well-liked by everyone might not be a good thing. The conflict arises because many people believe that being kind and getting along with others is important, but the verse implies that widespread approval could mean compromising one's principles. This can feel contradictory to those who strive for both moral integrity and positive social relationships.