Contradiction with Matthew 11:28
This verse offers rest to all who labor and are heavy laden, contrary to Matthew 12:44's depiction of returning to a state of unrest or emptiness.
Matthew 11:28: Come unto me, all [ye] that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.
Contradiction with Psalm 23:1
This verse speaks of the Lord being the shepherd, providing lack of nothing, which contrasts Matthew 12:44's reference to finding things empty and swept.
Psalm 23:1: [A Psalm of David.] The LORD [is] my shepherd; I shall not want.
Contradiction with John 14:27
Offers peace, not as the world gives, which contradicts Matthew 12:44’s implication of disorder and potential turmoil with the unclean spirit's return.
John 14:27: Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.
Contradiction with Romans 8:38-39
Affirms that nothing can separate us from the love of God, whereas Matthew 12:44 suggests the possibility of a spirit returning and causing separation or disturbance.
Romans 8:38-39: For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come,
Contradiction with James 4:7
Advises to resist the devil, and he will flee, while Matthew 12:44 illustrates a spirit returning despite initial departure.
James 4:7: Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.
Contradiction with 2 Corinthians 5:17
Declares that anyone in Christ is a new creation, old things have passed away, contradicting the return of the old spirit described in Matthew 12:44.
2 Corinthians 5:17: Therefore if any man [be] in Christ, [he is] a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new. [he is: or, let him be]
Contradiction with 1 John 4:4
Asserts that he who is in you is greater than he who is in the world, opposing the notion in Matthew 12:44 of a stronger returning presence.
1 John 4:4: Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world.
Contradiction with Isaiah 41:10
Encourages not to fear for God is with you, which contradicts the fear and vulnerability implied in Matthew 12:44 upon the spirit's return.
Isaiah 41:10: Fear thou not; for I [am] with thee: be not dismayed; for I [am] thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.
Contradiction with Colossians 1:13
States that God has delivered us from the domain of darkness, in contrast to Matthew 12:44’s suggestion of returning darkness.
Colossians 1:13: Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated [us] into the kingdom of his dear Son: [his...: Gr. the Son of his love]
Contradiction with 1 Corinthians 10:13
Promises that God provides a way to escape temptation, contradictory to the return depicted in Matthew 12:44.
1 Corinthians 10:13: There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God [is] faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear [it]. [common...: or, moderate]
Paradox #1
The contradiction or inconsistency might arise from the idea of an unclean spirit returning to find its former home "empty." This could suggest a lack of permanent change or growth in the person, implying that repentance or personal transformation wasn't genuine or maintained. It raises questions about the effectiveness of temporary change or the necessity of deeper spiritual commitment to avoid past negative influences returning.