Contradiction with Matthew 6:5
This verse criticizes those who pray to be seen by others, highlighting a different aspect of external religious displays, whereas Mark 12:40 criticizes devouring widows' houses and making long prayers as a form of exploitation.
Matthew 6:5: And when thou prayest, thou shalt not be as the hypocrites [are]: for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and in the corners of the streets, that they may be seen of men. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward.
Contradiction with Matthew 23:14
It closely mirrors Mark 12:40, warning against scribes and Pharisees, but the critique here focuses also on them seeking attention in public places, contrasting with the emphasis on exploitation in Mark 12:40.
Matthew 23:14: Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye devour widows' houses, and for a pretence make long prayer: therefore ye shall receive the greater damnation.
Contradiction with Luke 20:47
Similar to Mark 12:40, but in a different Gospel context, presents a similar criticism yet does not standalone in opposition, rather showing a consistent theme.
Luke 20:47: Which devour widows' houses, and for a shew make long prayers: the same shall receive greater damnation.
Contradiction with Romans 16:18
Discusses deceptive leaders, who serve themselves rather than Christ, contradicting by focusing on deceit for personal gain in a more general sense, rather than specifically exploiting widows or associating it with long prayers.
Romans 16:18: For they that are such serve not our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly; and by good words and fair speeches deceive the hearts of the simple.
Contradiction with James 1:27
Stresses pure and faultless religion to include taking care of widows, which presents a positive command, potentially opposing the negative actions condemned in Mark 12:40.
James 1:27: Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, [and] to keep himself unspotted from the world.
Paradox #1
Mark 12:40 speaks about religious leaders who exploit others and put on a show of their piety. The moral conflict here could be that these leaders are supposed to guide others in the right way, but they are instead acting in a way that contradicts the values they are meant to uphold. This inconsistency between their words and actions is the moral issue.