Contradiction with Psalm 37:14
This verse speaks of the wicked drawing their swords and bending their bows to cast down the poor, contrasting with the meek inheriting the earth in Matthew 5:5.
Psalm 37:14: The wicked have drawn out the sword, and have bent their bow, to cast down the poor and needy, [and] to slay such as be of upright conversation. [such...: Heb. the upright of way]
Contradiction with Psalm 73:3
This verse mentions envying the prosperity of the wicked, which contradicts the blessing of the meek above the wicked.
Psalm 73:3: For I was envious at the foolish, [when] I saw the prosperity of the wicked.
Contradiction with Ecclesiastes 9:11
This verse suggests that success is dependent on chance rather than being meek, contradicting the promise to the meek.
Ecclesiastes 9:11: I returned, and saw under the sun, that the race [is] not to the swift, nor the battle to the strong, neither yet bread to the wise, nor yet riches to men of understanding, nor yet favour to men of skill; but time and chance happeneth to them all.
Contradiction with Isaiah 57:21
This verse states there is no peace for the wicked, contrasting with the meek inheriting a peaceful earth.
Isaiah 57:21: [There is] no peace, saith my God, to the wicked.
Contradiction with Matthew 11:12
This verse mentions the kingdom of heaven suffering violence and the violent taking it by force, opposing the idea of meekness inheriting the earth.
Matthew 11:12: And from the days of John the Baptist until now the kingdom of heaven suffereth violence, and the violent take it by force. [suffereth...: or, is gotten by force, and they that thrust men]
Contradiction with James 4:2
This verse speaks of people fighting and warring to obtain what they desire, contradicting meekness as the path to inheritance.
James 4:2: Ye lust, and have not: ye kill, and desire to have, and cannot obtain: ye fight and war, yet ye have not, because ye ask not.
Contradiction with Revelation 6:4
This verse describes taking peace from the earth and people killing one another, contrasting with the meek inheriting the earth.
Revelation 6:4: And there went out another horse [that was] red: and [power] was given to him that sat thereon to take peace from the earth, and that they should kill one another: and there was given unto him a great sword.
Paradox #1
Some people may see a contradiction in the idea that the "meek" will inherit something significant, as this could conflict with the common view that those who are powerful and assertive usually gain control in the world. This might seem inconsistent with real-world observations where gentle or humble people do not always end up with more power or prosperity.
Paradox #2
The apparent contradiction or conflict might arise when comparing the idea of "inheriting the earth" with other parts of the Bible that suggest the earth is temporary or will be destroyed. Additionally, it might seem inconsistent with verses that emphasize spiritual rewards over earthly ones. However, interpretations often clarify that "inheriting the earth" symbolizes spiritual blessings rather than literal ownership.
Paradox #3
The contradiction or conflict in this verse could arise if someone interprets "meekness" as being passive or excessively submissive, which might be seen as conflicting with ideals that encourage assertiveness and standing up for oneself. Some might argue that being too meek could hinder one's ability to challenge injustice or inequality.