Philippians 4:8 Contradictions and Paradoxes

According to Paul, the author of the book, Christians should focus on thinking about things that are true, kind, fair, and beautiful. This means keeping our minds on happy and good things that make us feel thankful and help us be better people.

Contradiction with Matthew 15:11

Jesus says that what comes out of the mouth defiles, suggesting the emphasis on internal purity rather than what is noble and true as in Philippians 4:8.

Matthew 15:11: Not that which goeth into the mouth defileth a man; but that which cometh out of the mouth, this defileth a man.

Contradiction with Ecclesiastes 1:14

Describes all things under the sun as vanity, contradicting the call to think on things that are virtuous and praiseworthy.

Ecclesiastes 1:14: I have seen all the works that are done under the sun; and, behold, all [is] vanity and vexation of spirit.

Contradiction with Jeremiah 17:9

States the heart is deceitful above all things, differing from the idea of focusing on things that are true and honest.

Jeremiah 17:9: The heart [is] deceitful above all [things], and desperately wicked: who can know it?

Contradiction with Isaiah 64:6

Claims our righteous acts are as filthy rags, contrasting with the focus on things that are pure and lovely.

Isaiah 64:6: But we are all as an unclean [thing], and all our righteousnesses [are] as filthy rags; and we all do fade as a leaf; and our iniquities, like the wind, have taken us away.

Contradiction with James 4:1

Mentions that wars and fights come from desires for pleasure within, conflicting with the peaceful and virtuous contemplation encouraged in Philippians 4:8.

James 4:1: From whence [come] wars and fightings among you? [come they] not hence, [even] of your lusts that war in your members? [fightings: or, brawlings] [lusts: or, pleasures]

Contradiction with Romans 3:10-12

States no one is righteous, opposing the instruction to consider things that are just and righteous.

Romans 3:10-12: As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one:

Contradiction with 1 John 2:16

Talks about worldly cravings as not from the Father, while Philippians 4:8 encourages thinking about things that are praiseworthy.

1 John 2:16: For all that [is] in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world.