Contradiction with Proverbs 16:2
This verse suggests that God weighs the spirits, whereas Proverbs 21:2 implies that every person's way seems right to them, indicating self-evaluation rather than divine assessment.
Proverbs 16:2: All the ways of a man [are] clean in his own eyes; but the LORD weigheth the spirits.
Contradiction with Jeremiah 17:9
This verse states that the heart is deceitful, contradicting Proverbs 21:2 by implying that one's own ways may seem right but can actually be misleading.
Jeremiah 17:9: The heart [is] deceitful above all [things], and desperately wicked: who can know it?
Contradiction with 1 Corinthians 4:4
This verse suggests that self-judgment is not reliable, opposing Proverbs 21:2 where personal judgment appears sufficient in one's own eyes.
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 Isaiah 5:21
This verse warns against being wise in one's own eyes, which conflicts with Proverbs 21:2 by highlighting the danger of self-assessment without external verification.
Isaiah 5:21: Woe unto [them that are] wise in their own eyes, and prudent in their own sight! [in their own sight: Heb. before their face]
Contradiction with Romans 3:10
This verse states that no one is righteous, opposing the notion in Proverbs 21:2 that each person's way could seem right, implying that appearances can be deceiving.
Romans 3:10: As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one:
Paradox #1
Proverbs 21:2 suggests that people often believe their own ways are right, but God evaluates the true motives. A perceived contradiction might arise when comparing this to passages that emphasize human wisdom and understanding, like Proverbs 3:5-6 which advises trusting in the Lord and not leaning on your own understanding. The tension arises between trusting one's ways as right and recognizing the need to rely on divine insight. However, these can be harmonized by understanding that human judgment is limited and needs divine guidance for true discernment.
Paradox #2
Proverbs 21:2 suggests that people often believe their own actions are right, but God evaluates their hearts. The contradiction could be that it implies human judgment is flawed, yet people are often asked to judge what is right or wrong in everyday life. This creates a conflict between trusting one's own conscience and being aware that it might not align with a higher moral standard.