Contradiction with Proverbs 10:22
Matthew 19:23 suggests the difficulty for the rich to enter heaven, while Proverbs 10:22 indicates that wealth is a blessing from God without sorrow.
Proverbs 10:22: The blessing of the LORD, it maketh rich, and he addeth no sorrow with it.
Contradiction with 1 Timothy 6:17
Matthew 19:23 implies a challenge for the rich, but 1 Timothy 6:17 encourages the rich not to be proud and to trust in God, implying they can still be faithful.
1 Timothy 6:17: Charge them that are rich in this world, that they be not highminded, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy; [uncertain...: Gr. uncertainty of riches]
Contradiction with Genesis 13:2
Matthew 19:23 says wealth is a barrier to heaven, yet Genesis 13:2 describes Abram as very wealthy and is considered righteous and favored by God.
Genesis 13:2: And Abram [was] very rich in cattle, in silver, and in gold.
Contradiction with Job 1:1-3
Matthew 19:23 suggests the rich struggle with salvation, but Job is described as both wealthy and blameless, contradicting the difficulty implied.
Job 1:1-3: There was a man in the land of Uz, whose name [was] Job; and that man was perfect and upright, and one that feared God, and eschewed evil.
Contradiction with 1 Chronicles 29:12
While Matthew 19:23 warns about wealth, 1 Chronicles 29:12 frames wealth as something God can bestow, suggesting it's not inherently negative.
1 Chronicles 29:12: Both riches and honour [come] of thee, and thou reignest over all; and in thine hand [is] power and might; and in thine hand [it is] to make great, and to give strength unto all.
Contradiction with Ecclesiastes 5:19
Matthew 19:23 implies negativity towards wealth, whereas Ecclesiastes 5:19 considers wealth a gift from God to be accepted joyfully.
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.
Paradox #1
The verse may raise questions about wealth and entering heaven, contrasting with stories where wealthy individuals are blessed or considered righteous. This can seem inconsistent with other teachings about wealth in the Bible.
Paradox #2
A possible contradiction with this verse could be the tension between wealth and spiritual values. The idea that wealth makes it harder to enter the kingdom of heaven may conflict with the notion that having resources can enable people to do good deeds and help others, which is often seen as virtuous and aligned with spiritual teachings. Thus, it creates a conflict between the benefits of using wealth for good and the spiritual challenges it may present.