Contradiction with James 1:13
James states that God does not tempt anyone, contradicting the idea of inevitable temptations implied in Matthew 18:7.
James 1:13: Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God: for God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempteth he any man: [evil: or, evils]
Contradiction with James 1:14
This verse suggests temptation comes from personal desires, not inevitability or external sources, conflicting with Matthew 18:7's notion of inevitable offenses.
James 1:14: But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed.
Contradiction with 1 Corinthians 10:13
This verse assures that God provides a way out of temptation, while Matthew 18:7 emphasizes the certainty of offenses and woes.
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
Matthew 18:7 might appear contradictory because it states that while it's a pity that such offenses occur, it also mentions that these offenses are inevitable. This can be confusing as it suggests that wrongdoing is both regrettable and unavoidable, raising questions about free will and accountability in the presence of an unavoidable wrong.
Paradox #2
The contradiction in this verse could be seen in the idea that while it acknowledges the inevitability of offenses occurring in the world, it also pronounces woe or judgment on the person through whom the offense comes. This could seem inconsistent because it suggests that while offenses must happen, the individual responsible for them is still condemned, creating a tension between inevitability and personal responsibility.