Contradiction with Jeremiah 17:9
This verse suggests the heart is deceitful, potentially contradicting the idea that a person’s ways can seem pure to them.
Jeremiah 17:9: The heart [is] deceitful above all [things], and desperately wicked: who can know it?
Contradiction with Isaiah 64:6
It states that all our righteousness is like filthy rags, challenging the notion that our ways are righteous.
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 Romans 3:10
Indicates that none are righteous, which contrasts with the idea that our ways can appear right to us.
Romans 3:10: As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one:
Contradiction with 1 Corinthians 4:4
Paul mentions not being aware of anything against himself, suggesting a self-perspective that could contradict the Lord weighing motives.
1 Corinthians 4:4: For I know nothing by myself; yet am I not hereby justified: but he that judgeth me is the Lord. [know: or, I am not conscious of any fault]
Contradiction with Proverbs 21:2
Similar in message, yet emphasizes that every way of a man is right in his own eyes, reinforcing rather than contradicting.
Proverbs 21:2: Every way of a man [is] right in his own eyes: but the LORD pondereth the hearts.
Paradox #1
Proverbs 16:2 suggests that people believe their own ways are right, but God evaluates their true motives. There could be a perceived contradiction if this idea is compared to other biblical teachings that emphasize human ability to understand and follow God's will, suggesting that humans can indeed perceive and choose righteous intentions. This could seem inconsistent to some, as it raises questions about human capacity for self-awareness versus divine judgment.
Paradox #2
The contradiction or conflict might be that people often think what they are doing is right, but God judges the heart and true intentions. This can create tension between human self-perception and divine judgment or morality, leading to differing interpretations of what is right or wrong.