Contradictions and Paradoxes in Matthew 19:21

Check out Contradictions Catalog of Matthew 19:21 for the comprehensive list of verses that contradicts Matthew 19:21. Some key contradictions and paradoxes are described below.

According to Matthew, Jesus is saying that if you want to be really good and close to God, you should sell your things, help people who don't have much, and follow Him, and then you'll have special rewards in heaven. It's like giving up your toys to help a friend, and later getting even better ones.

Matthew 19:21: Jesus said unto him, If thou wilt be perfect, go [and] sell that thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come [and] follow me.

Contradiction with Proverbs 10:4

Explains that being diligent and hard-working brings wealth, which seems to contradict with the idea of giving away possessions as suggested in Matthew 19:21.

Proverbs 10:4: He becometh poor that dealeth [with] a slack hand: but the hand of the diligent maketh rich.

Contradiction with Proverbs 13:22

Suggests that a good person leaves an inheritance, which contrasts with Matthew 19:21's instruction to sell possessions.

Proverbs 13:22: A good [man] leaveth an inheritance to his children's children: and the wealth of the sinner [is] laid up for the just.

Contradiction with 1 Timothy 5:8

States that one must provide for their family, differing from Matthew 19:21’s call to give away wealth.

1 Timothy 5:8: But if any provide not for his own, and specially for those of his own house, he hath denied the faith, and is worse than an infidel. [house: or, kindred]

Contradiction with 2 Thessalonians 3:10

Emphasizes the necessity of working for sustenance, which could conflict with the directive to sell all possessions in Matthew 19:21.

2 Thessalonians 3:10: For even when we were with you, this we commanded you, that if any would not work, neither should he eat.

Contradiction with Ecclesiastes 5:19

Acknowledges receiving wealth as a gift from God to be enjoyed, contrasting with the call to give it up in Matthew 19:21.

Ecclesiastes 5:19: Every man also to whom God hath given riches and wealth, and hath given him power to eat thereof, and to take his portion, and to rejoice in his labour; this [is] the gift of God.

Contradiction with Genesis 13:2

Describes Abraham as being very wealthy, which does not align with the instruction to sell possessions in Matthew 19:21.

Genesis 13:2: And Abram [was] very rich in cattle, in silver, and in gold.

Contradiction with 1 Samuel 2:7

Declares that the Lord makes some rich and some poor; this does not harmonize with Matthew 19:21’s emphasis on voluntary poverty.

1 Samuel 2:7: The LORD maketh poor, and maketh rich: he bringeth low, and lifteth up.

Paradox #1

A potential contradiction with Matthew 19:21 could be the idea of salvation offered as a free gift through faith, as emphasized in other parts of the New Testament, particularly by Paul in his letters. This verse suggests an action—selling possessions and giving to the poor—as necessary for perfection, which might seem inconsistent with the concept of grace and faith being sufficient for salvation.

Paradox #2

There is no widely recognized contradiction, inconsistency, or conflict associated with that specific verse.

Paradox #3

The contradiction or conflict in "Matthew 19:21" could be seen as the tension between the call to give up material possessions for spiritual gain and the practical need for resources to care for oneself and others. On one hand, the verse suggests a life of sacrifice and generosity, but on the other hand, completely giving away all possessions might seem unrealistic or irresponsible to some, especially when considering family and societal obligations.

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