Contradiction with Proverbs 11:1
A false balance is abomination to the LORD: but a just weight is his delight. (This verse contradicts Matthew 20:13 by emphasizing fairness and justice in transactions, whereas Matthew 20:13 highlights the landowner's right to pay agreed wages).
Proverbs 11:1: A false balance [is] abomination to the LORD: but a just weight [is] his delight. [A false...: Heb. Balances of deceit] [just...: Heb. perfect stone]
Contradiction with James 5:4
Behold, the hire of the labourers who have reaped down your fields, which is of you kept back by fraud, crieth: and the cries of them which have reaped are entered into the ears of the Lord of Sabaoth. (This verse emphasizes fairness and condemns holding back wages, potentially contrasting with Matthew 20:13's acceptance of the landowner's payment terms).
James 5:4: Behold, the hire of the labourers who have reaped down your fields, which is of you kept back by fraud, crieth: and the cries of them which have reaped are entered into the ears of the Lord of sabaoth. [sabaoth: Heb. hosts]
Contradiction with Deuteronomy 25:15
But thou shalt have a perfect and just weight, a perfect and just measure shalt thou have: that thy days may be lengthened in the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee. (Emphasizes the importance of just measures, which may contradict the perceived inequality in Matthew 20:13).
Deuteronomy 25:15: [But] thou shalt have a perfect and just weight, a perfect and just measure shalt thou have: that thy days may be lengthened in the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee.
Contradiction with Micah 6:11
Shall I count them pure with the wicked balances, and with the bag of deceitful weights? (This verse criticizes deceit and unbalanced transactions, potentially opposing the seeming unfairness in Matthew 20:13).
Micah 6:11: Shall I count [them] pure with the wicked balances, and with the bag of deceitful weights? [count...: or, be pure with, etc]
Contradiction with Colossians 4:1
Masters, give unto your servants that which is just and equal; knowing that ye also have a Master in heaven. (This underscores the obligation of fairness and justice, appearing to conflict with the landowner's actions in Matthew 20:13).
Colossians 4:1: Masters, give unto [your] servants that which is just and equal; knowing that ye also have a Master in heaven.
Paradox #1
The contradiction in that verse could be perceived in how fairness is addressed. It suggests that even when others work harder or longer, everyone receives the same reward, which can seem unfair to our human sense of equity and hard work. This challenges the idea that effort and reward should be directly proportional.