Contradiction with Mark 9:50
Unlike Matthew 5:13, which speaks of losing saltiness, Mark 9:50 encourages maintaining peace and implies salt, as a symbol, cannot lose its flavor.
Mark 9:50: Salt [is] good: but if the salt have lost his saltness, wherewith will ye season it? Have salt in yourselves, and have peace one with another.
Contradiction with Luke 14:34-35
Echoes the idea of salt losing flavor but expands on its uselessness and concludes with disposal, whereas Matthew 5:13 leaves the consequence more metaphorical without detailing action.
Luke 14:34-35: Salt [is] good: but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be seasoned?
Contradiction with Genesis 1:31
Contrasts with Matthew 5:13 by reflecting that God's creation, including salt, was "very good," implying no inherent flaw like losing flavor.
Genesis 1:31: And God saw every thing that he had made, and, behold, [it was] very good. And the evening and the morning were the sixth day. [And the evening...: Heb. And the evening was, and the morning was etc.]
Contradiction with James 3:11-12
Challenges Matthew 5:13 by using nature's consistency (springs, fig trees, etc.) as metaphors for integrity, implying inconsistency (like losing saltiness) is unnatural.
James 3:11-12: Doth a fountain send forth at the same place sweet [water] and bitter? [place: or, hole]
Paradox #1
The statement in Matthew 5:13 may seem contradictory because it suggests that if something is no longer effective, it becomes useless and should be discarded. This can conflict with theological views that emphasize redemption and the potential for renewal and purpose in all individuals, rather than discarding them as worthless.
Paradox #2
The verse implies that salt can lose its saltiness. Scientifically, pure salt (sodium chloride) is a stable compound and does not lose its salty taste over time. Any perceived loss of saltiness in old salt is typically due to impurities or exposure to moisture, not the salt itself changing.
Paradox #3
The contradiction or conflict in this verse could arise from its implication that people should maintain their distinctiveness and positive influence in the world. The inconsistency might be in expecting individuals to be influential and valuable in society, while also calling for humility and meekness in other teachings. Balancing these qualities can be seen as contradictory, as being too focused on preserving one's influence might conflict with being humble and selfless.