Contradictions and Paradoxes in Numbers 22:38

Check out Contradictions Catalog of Numbers 22:38 for the comprehensive list of verses that contradicts Numbers 22:38. Some key contradictions and paradoxes are described below.

According to Moses, Balaam is telling Balak that he can only say what God tells him to say. Balaam cannot speak his own words but must speak what God wants.

Numbers 22:38: And Balaam said unto Balak, Lo, I am come unto thee: have I now any power at all to say any thing? the word that God putteth in my mouth, that shall I speak.

Contradiction with Proverbs 16:1

Explains that the preparations of the heart in man are from the Lord, suggesting that one's words can be influenced by man, contrasting with the notion in Numbers 22:38 that Balaam can only speak what God puts in his mouth.

Proverbs 16:1: The preparations of the heart in man, and the answer of the tongue, [is] from the LORD. [preparations: or, disposings]

Contradiction with 1 Kings 22:22

Depicts God permitting a lying spirit in the mouth of prophets, which contrasts Numbers 22:38 by showing that not all words spoken by prophets are directly God's words.

1 Kings 22:22: And the LORD said unto him, Wherewith? And he said, I will go forth, and I will be a lying spirit in the mouth of all his prophets. And he said, Thou shalt persuade [him], and prevail also: go forth, and do so.

Contradiction with Jeremiah 14:14

States that some prophets speak lies in God's name, implying they can speak independently from God, conflicting with the view in Numbers 22:38.

Jeremiah 14:14: Then the LORD said unto me, The prophets prophesy lies in my name: I sent them not, neither have I commanded them, neither spake unto them: they prophesy unto you a false vision and divination, and a thing of nought, and the deceit of their heart.

Contradiction with Ezekiel 13:7

Refers to prophets who claim to speak the word of God when God has not spoken, opposing Balaam’s claim in Numbers 22:38 that he can only speak God’s words.

Ezekiel 13:7: Have ye not seen a vain vision, and have ye not spoken a lying divination, whereas ye say, The LORD saith [it]; albeit I have not spoken?

Contradiction with Matthew 7:15

Warns about false prophets, implying that not all prophets speak only God's words, which is contrary to Balaam's assertion in Numbers 22:38.

Matthew 7:15: Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves.
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