Contradiction with Jeremiah 10:23
This verse states that it is not within man's power to direct his own steps, aligning closely with Proverbs 20:24 rather than contradicting it.
Jeremiah 10:23: O LORD, I know that the way of man [is] not in himself: [it is] not in man that walketh to direct his steps.
Contradiction with Proverbs 14:12
This suggests that a way may seem right to a man but ends in death, implying reliance on human judgment rather than divine direction, which contrasts with Proverbs 20:24's focus on God's guidance.
Proverbs 14:12: There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof [are] the ways of death.
Contradiction with Isaiah 30:21
This verse states that you will hear a word behind you directing your path, which may imply active guidance as opposed to the passive acknowledgment of God's control in Proverbs 20:24.
Isaiah 30:21: And thine ears shall hear a word behind thee, saying, This [is] the way, walk ye in it, when ye turn to the right hand, and when ye turn to the left.
Contradiction with James 4:13-15
Advises against making plans without considering God's will, contrasting with the belief in human planning seen in some interpretations versus God's direction emphasized in Proverbs 20:24.
James 4:13-15: Go to now, ye that say, To day or to morrow we will go into such a city, and continue there a year, and buy and sell, and get gain:
Contradiction with Psalm 37:23
States that a good man’s steps are ordered by the Lord, aligning more with divine sovereignty and not directly contradicting Proverbs 20:24.
Psalm 37:23: The steps of a [good] man are ordered by the LORD: and he delighteth in his way. [ordered: or, established]
Paradox #1
The possible contradiction or conflict could arise from the idea of human free will versus divine control. This verse suggests that a person's steps are directed by a higher power, which might seem to conflict with the concept of humans having the freedom to make their own choices. Balancing divine sovereignty and human free will can create theological debates about how much control individuals truly have over their lives.
Paradox #2
The verse suggests that human paths are directed by a higher power, implying a lack of personal agency. This might conflict with scientific ideas about human free will and decision-making based on psychology and neuroscience.
Paradox #3
This verse highlights the belief that a higher power guides a person's steps, implying that individuals have limited control over their own paths. The moral conflict here could be the tension between free will and predestination—whether people have the freedom to choose their actions or if their paths are predetermined by a higher force. This can lead to questions about personal responsibility and accountability if choices are not entirely under one's control.