Matthew 23:6 Contradictions and Paradoxes

According to Matthew, Jesus is saying that some people love being treated as the most important and having the best places to sit at parties and in church. He's teaching that it's more important to be humble than to seek special treatment.

Contradiction with Luke 14:10

This verse advises humility by encouraging people to take the lowest place, rather than seeking honor.

Luke 14:10: But when thou art bidden, go and sit down in the lowest room; that when he that bade thee cometh, he may say unto thee, Friend, go up higher: then shalt thou have worship in the presence of them that sit at meat with thee.

Contradiction with James 4:10

This verse emphasizes humbling oneself for exaltation by the Lord, which contrasts with seeking high places.

James 4:10: Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up.

Contradiction with Philippians 2:3

It advocates for humility and valuing others above oneself, which goes against seeking prominent seats.

Philippians 2:3: [Let] nothing [be done] through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves.

Contradiction with Proverbs 16:19

Prefers humility with the lowly to dividing spoils with the proud, opposing the desire for chief positions.

Proverbs 16:19: Better [it is to be] of an humble spirit with the lowly, than to divide the spoil with the proud.

Contradiction with 1 Peter 5:5

Calls for submission and humility, which contradicts seeking honor and high places among men.

1 Peter 5:5: Likewise, ye younger, submit yourselves unto the elder. Yea, all [of you] be subject one to another, and be clothed with humility: for God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble.

Paradox #1