Contradiction with James 3:8-9
These verses highlight that the tongue can both bless God and curse men, suggesting that humans can speak both good and evil, contrasting with Matthew 12:34, where the heart's evil is directly linked to evil speech.
James 3:8-9: But the tongue can no man tame; [it is] an unruly evil, full of deadly poison.
Contradiction with Romans 7:15
This verse discusses the struggle of doing what one hates, indicating that actions or words might not always align with the internal state of a person, implying that a person might speak contrary to their heart's content.
Romans 7:15: For that which I do I allow not: for what I would, that do I not; but what I hate, that do I. [allow: Gr. know]
Contradiction with Jeremiah 17:9
It states that the heart is deceitful above all things, which can imply that a person's words (or outward expressions) cannot always reveal the true nature of their heart, suggesting a complexity beyond the simple relationship in Matthew 12:34.
Jeremiah 17:9: The heart [is] deceitful above all [things], and desperately wicked: who can know it?
Paradox #1
This verse could be seen as inconsistent because it suggests that a person's words reflect their true nature, implying that people cannot change or control what they say. However, in many teachings, people are also encouraged to improve themselves and their speech. This creates a tension between being seen as inherently good or bad based on their words, versus having the ability to change and grow.