Contradictions and Paradoxes in Matthew 5:15

Check out Contradictions Catalog of Matthew 5:15 for the comprehensive list of verses that contradicts Matthew 5:15. Some key contradictions and paradoxes are described below.

According to Matthew, this means that when you have something good, like a light or a kind action, you should share it so everyone can see and feel happy. Just like you put a lamp on a stand to light up a room, we should use our goodness to brighten the world around us.

Matthew 5:15: Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house. [a bushel: the word in the original signifieth a measure containing about a pint less than a peck]

Contradiction with Matthew 6:1

While Matthew 5:15 encourages letting your light shine before others, Matthew 6:1 warns against performing righteous acts publicly to be seen by others, suggesting a need for privacy in one's good deeds.

Matthew 6:1: Take heed that ye do not your alms before men, to be seen of them: otherwise ye have no reward of your Father which is in heaven. [alms: or, righteousness] [of your: or, with your]

Contradiction with Matthew 6:3-4

Matthew 5:15 highlights visibility in good deeds, whereas Matthew 6:3-4 emphasizes maintaining secrecy in charitable acts, suggesting a contrast between public visibility and private action.

Matthew 6:3-4: But when thou doest alms, let not thy left hand know what thy right hand doeth:

Contradiction with John 7:4

In John 7:4, Jesus' brothers advise showing oneself to the world to gain followers, but He objects, underscoring discretion, in contrast to Matthew 5:15's encouragement of visibility.

John 7:4: For [there is] no man [that] doeth any thing in secret, and he himself seeketh to be known openly. If thou do these things, shew thyself to the world.

Contradiction with Proverbs 27:2

Proverbs 27:2 advises against self-promotion and letting others praise you, contrasting with Matthew 5:15's call to make one's light visible.

Proverbs 27:2: Let another man praise thee, and not thine own mouth; a stranger, and not thine own lips.

Contradiction with 1 Peter 3:4

1 Peter 3:4 promotes the hidden, gentle spirit over outward display, in contrast to Matthew 5:15's focus on outward illumination.

1 Peter 3:4: But [let it be] the hidden man of the heart, in that which is not corruptible, [even the ornament] of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price.
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