Contradiction with Matthew 5:16
Encourages letting your light shine before others, so they can see your good works, contrasting with the caution against performing acts to be seen by others.
Matthew 5:16: Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.
Contradiction with Matthew 23:5
Criticizes making deeds conspicuous, similar to Matthew 6:2, but highlights doing works to be seen as a broader issue rather than just giving alms.
Matthew 23:5: But all their works they do for to be seen of men: they make broad their phylacteries, and enlarge the borders of their garments, [phylacteries: pieces of parchment containing sentences of the law]
Contradiction with John 7:4
Points out the desire to be known openly, contrasting with the admonition against seeking public recognition for deeds.
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 Galatians 6:2
Encourages bearing one another's burdens, which may involve visible actions different from the private nature suggested in Matthew 6:2.
Galatians 6:2: Bear ye one another's burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ.
Paradox #1
One potential contradiction could be that while the verse advises against publicly showing off good deeds for recognition, other parts of the Bible often discuss public acts of faith, such as communal prayer or public charity. This might seem inconsistent because it raises questions about when public displays of faith are appropriate versus when they might be considered hypocritical.
Paradox #2
Matthew 6:2 advises against performing good deeds for public praise. A potential contradiction could arise if someone believes that promoting good actions through public example inspires others to do the same. The conflict is between keeping good deeds private for humility and sharing them to encourage more kindness in the world.