Contradictions and Paradoxes in Matthew 7:20

Check out Contradictions Catalog of Matthew 7:20 for the comprehensive list of verses that contradicts Matthew 7:20. Some key contradictions and paradoxes are described below.

According to Matthew, you can know what kind of person someone is by looking at what they do, like how you can tell a tree by the fruit it grows. Good people do good things, just like good trees make good fruit.

Matthew 7:20: Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them.

Contradiction with Ezekiel 18:20

This verse emphasizes individual responsibility for one's sins, whereas Matthew 7:20 implies judging others based on external actions (fruits).

Ezekiel 18:20: The soul that sinneth, it shall die. The son shall not bear the iniquity of the father, neither shall the father bear the iniquity of the son: the righteousness of the righteous shall be upon him, and the wickedness of the wicked shall be upon him.

Contradiction with 1 Samuel 16:7

This verse highlights that God looks at the heart, not outward appearance, contrasting with the idea of judging by visible fruits in Matthew 7:20.

1 Samuel 16:7: But the LORD said unto Samuel, Look not on his countenance, or on the height of his stature; because I have refused him: for [the LORD seeth] not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the LORD looketh on the heart. [outward...: Heb. eyes]

Contradiction with 1 Corinthians 4:5

This verse cautions against judgment before the time, when the Lord will bring to light hidden things, whereas Matthew 7:20 suggests evaluating others by their fruits.

1 Corinthians 4:5: Therefore judge nothing before the time, until the Lord come, who both will bring to light the hidden things of darkness, and will make manifest the counsels of the hearts: and then shall every man have praise of God.

Contradiction with Romans 14:4

This verse questions the right to judge another's servant, implying a restriction on judgment, contrary to the idea of evaluating others by their outcomes in Matthew 7:20.

Romans 14:4: Who art thou that judgest another man's servant? to his own master he standeth or falleth. Yea, he shall be holden up: for God is able to make him stand.

Contradiction with James 4:12

This verse states there is one lawgiver and judge, challenging the notion of humans evaluating others by their fruits as advised in Matthew 7:20.

James 4:12: There is one lawgiver, who is able to save and to destroy: who art thou that judgest another?

Paradox #1

Matthew 7:20 talks about recognizing people by their actions. The moral conflict here could be the idea that people should not judge others, as stated in other parts of the Bible (e.g., "Judge not, that ye be not judged" in Matthew 7:1). This can seem inconsistent because on one hand, it suggests evaluating others based on their actions, while on the other hand, it advises against making judgments.

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