Contradiction with Proverbs 19:21
While Proverbs 16:33 suggests the decision is from the Lord, Proverbs 19:21 indicates that human plans have their own place despite the Lord's counsel.
Proverbs 19:21: [There are] many devices in a man's heart; nevertheless the counsel of the LORD, that shall stand.
Contradiction with Ecclesiastes 9:11
Proverbs 16:33 attributes outcomes to divine intervention, but Ecclesiastes 9:11 speaks about time and chance affecting all, implying randomness.
Ecclesiastes 9:11: I returned, and saw under the sun, that the race [is] not to the swift, nor the battle to the strong, neither yet bread to the wise, nor yet riches to men of understanding, nor yet favour to men of skill; but time and chance happeneth to them all.
Contradiction with Isaiah 45:7
Proverbs 16:33 implies divine decisions, whereas Isaiah 45:7 suggests God creates both peace and evil, expanding beyond mere decisions to broader acts.
Isaiah 45:7: I form the light, and create darkness: I make peace, and create evil: I the LORD do all these [things].
Contradiction with James 1:13
Proverbs 16:33 suggests God’s involvement in outcomes, but James 1:13 notes that God does not tempt anyone, suggesting limitations on His role in certain events.
James 1:13: Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God: for God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempteth he any man: [evil: or, evils]
Paradox #1
The verse that talks about the use of lots can be seen as inconsistent with certain beliefs about God's control and decision-making. Some might find it contradictory because it suggests chance or randomness is involved, whereas other parts of the Bible emphasize God's intentional and purposeful guidance in everything. This could seem to conflict with the belief in God's absolute sovereignty and predetermined plan.
Paradox #2
Proverbs 16:33 could be seen as conflicting with scientific understanding because it suggests that outcomes, like the casting of lots, are determined by a higher power, whereas science attributes such outcomes to chance, probability, and random processes. This difference highlights a contrast between viewing events as divinely controlled versus understanding them through natural randomness and statistical probability.
Paradox #3
Proverbs 16:33 talks about decisions being made by casting lots, yet the outcome being determined by the divine will. The contradiction here could be that it suggests a tension between human actions (like casting lots) and the belief in divine control or predestination. If everything is already determined by a higher power, it raises the question of the significance or moral responsibility of human choices and actions.