Matthew 6:7 Contradictions and Paradoxes

According to Matthew, when you pray, don't just say the same words over and over like people who don't know God. God listens to you because He cares, not because you say a lot of words.

Contradiction with James 5:16

This verse suggests making prayers with fervency and intensity, which could be seen as contradicting the notion against using many words.

James 5:16: Confess [your] faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.

Contradiction with 1 Thessalonians 5:17

This verse encourages praying without ceasing, potentially implying continuous and repetitive prayer.

1 Thessalonians 5:17: Pray without ceasing.

Contradiction with Luke 18:1-5

In this parable, persistent prayer is depicted positively, contrasting with the admonishment of repetition.

Luke 18:1-5: And he spake a parable unto them [to this end], that men ought always to pray, and not to faint;

Contradiction with 1 Kings 8:22-53

Solomon’s lengthy prayer of dedication may appear to contradict the advice against many words in prayer.

1 Kings 8:22-53: And Solomon stood before the altar of the LORD in the presence of all the congregation of Israel, and spread forth his hands toward heaven:

Contradiction with Psalm 119:164

Repeated prayers throughout the day, as suggested here, could be seen as contradictory to Matthew 6:7.

Psalm 119:164: Seven times a day do I praise thee because of thy righteous judgments.

Paradox #1

Some people might see a conflict between the advice in Matthew 6:7 and other parts of the Bible where repetitive prayers, like the Psalms, are used. While Matthew 6:7 warns against using empty repetitions, other parts of the Bible include repeated prayers and phrases. The challenge is to understand when repetition becomes "empty" and when it's meaningful. Some could see this as a contradiction, while others view it as guidance on prayer attitude.

Paradox #2

One potential contradiction in Matthew 6:7 could be that it advises against using many words in prayer, yet some religious practices involve repetitive or lengthy prayers as a form of devotion. This could lead to a conflict between following this teaching and participating in those traditional practices.