Contradictions and Paradoxes in Matthew 23:17

Check out Contradictions Catalog of Matthew 23:17 for the comprehensive list of verses that contradicts Matthew 23:17. Some key contradictions and paradoxes are described below.

According to Matthew, Jesus is saying that people were being silly and not seeing clearly because they cared more about gold than about the special place that makes the gold holy. He wanted them to understand that the temple, which is like a church, is more important than the gold inside it.

Matthew 23:17: [Ye] fools and blind: for whether is greater, the gold, or the temple that sanctifieth the gold?

Contradiction with Proverbs 4:7

Matthew 23:17 calls people "fools and blind," whereas Proverbs 4:7 emphasizes getting wisdom and understanding, suggesting an encouragement to gain clarity and insight rather than labeling as foolish.

Proverbs 4:7: Wisdom [is] the principal thing; [therefore] get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding.

Contradiction with James 1:5

This verse invites those who lack wisdom to ask God, who gives generously, conflicting with the rebuke in Matthew 23:17 which implies condemnation instead of offering a means to seek wisdom.

James 1:5: If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all [men] liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.

Contradiction with Proverbs 26:4-5

Both advise on dealing with fools: verse 4 suggests not answering a fool, lest you lower yourself, verse 5 suggests answering to correct them, providing guidance on handling folly rather than reprimanding it bluntly as in Matthew 23:17.

Proverbs 26:4-5: Answer not a fool according to his folly, lest thou also be like unto him.

Paradox #1

This verse calls certain people "fools" for placing value on the wrong things. The moral conflict could be that elsewhere in the Bible, such as in the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus teaches not to call people "fools" or judge them. This might seem inconsistent because this verse appears to go against that teaching.

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