Contradiction with Proverbs 27:1
This verse advises against boasting about tomorrow, contrasting with interpreting signs to predict the future.
Proverbs 27:1: Boast not thyself of to morrow; for thou knowest not what a day may bring forth. [to...: Heb. to morrow day]
Contradiction with James 4:14
This verse describes the uncertainty of life, contradicting the confidence in predicting weather in Matthew 16:3.
James 4:14: Whereas ye know not what [shall be] on the morrow. For what [is] your life? It is even a vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away. [It...: or, For it is]
Contradiction with Ecclesiastes 8:17
This verse speaks of the inability to grasp God's work, contrasting with presuming to understand the signs of the times.
Ecclesiastes 8:17: Then I beheld all the work of God, that a man cannot find out the work that is done under the sun: because though a man labour to seek [it] out, yet he shall not find [it]; yea further; though a wise [man] think to know [it], yet shall he not be able to find [it].
Paradox #1
Matthew 16:3 talks about people's ability to understand the weather but not spiritual signs. A potential contradiction could be with the idea that spiritual understanding requires divine insight or revelation. If people are expected to recognize spiritual signs on their own, it might conflict with the belief that God provides this understanding.
Paradox #2
The potential contradiction with Matthew 16:3 could be related to the topic of interpreting signs. Some may argue that it conflicts with the idea that only God or those with divine guidance can truly interpret spiritual or prophetic signs, which might be suggested elsewhere in the Bible. When people rely on their own understanding to interpret signs, it might appear inconsistent with teachings that emphasize seeking divine wisdom.