Contradiction with 1 Samuel 16:7
Emphasizes God's focus on the heart rather than outward appearances, in contrast to Matthew 23:25 which criticizes focusing only on the external.
1 Samuel 16:7: But the LORD said unto Samuel, Look not on his countenance, or on the height of his stature; because I have refused him: for [the LORD seeth] not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the LORD looketh on the heart. [outward...: Heb. eyes]
Contradiction with Matthew 7:3-5
Highlights the importance of tending to one's own faults before criticizing others, aligning with the criticism of hypocrisy in Matthew 23:25.
Matthew 7:3-5: And why beholdest thou the mote that is in thy brother's eye, but considerest not the beam that is in thine own eye?
Contradiction with 1 Peter 3:3-4
Stresses the value of inner beauty over outward adornment, differing from the Pharisees' focus on external cleanliness mentioned in Matthew 23:25.
1 Peter 3:3-4: Whose adorning let it not be that outward [adorning] of plaiting the hair, and of wearing of gold, or of putting on of apparel;
Paradox #1
The potential contradiction in Matthew 23:25 could be that while it criticizes external appearances of cleanliness when the inside is impure, it might seem to overlook the importance of both inner and outer cleanliness working together. This could create a conflict where people might focus solely on inner purity, disregarding outward actions and appearances that also matter in social and moral contexts.