Contradiction with Proverbs 15:29
This verse states that the Lord is far from the wicked, but hears the prayer of the righteous, which suggests prayer effectiveness is linked to righteousness, potentially contradicting the focus on God not hearing due to iniquity.
Proverbs 15:29: The LORD [is] far from the wicked: but he heareth the prayer of the righteous.
Contradiction with Isaiah 59:2
This verse suggests iniquities separate individuals from God, which aligns with the idea in Psalms 66:18 rather than contradicting it.
Isaiah 59:2: But your iniquities have separated between you and your God, and your sins have hid [his] face from you, that he will not hear. [have hid: or, have made him hide]
Contradiction with James 5:16
This verse emphasizes the prayer of a righteous person being powerful and effective, contrasting with the idea that hidden sin hinders prayer.
James 5:16: Confess [your] faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.
Contradiction with John 9:31
This verse mentions that God does not listen to sinners, aligning with Psalms 66:18 rather than providing a contradiction.
John 9:31: Now we know that God heareth not sinners: but if any man be a worshipper of God, and doeth his will, him he heareth.
Contradiction with 1 John 3:22
This verse highlights receiving from God because obeying His commandments, which might emphasize the relationship aspect over the hindrance presented by sin alone in Psalms 66:18.
1 John 3:22: And whatsoever we ask, we receive of him, because we keep his commandments, and do those things that are pleasing in his sight.
Paradox #1
Psalms 66:18 talks about the importance of having a pure heart and not cherishing sin for prayers to be heard. A potential contradiction might arise when compared with the idea of God's unconditional love and grace, which suggests that God's love and willingness to listen are not dependent on human perfection. This might seem inconsistent because one suggests a condition for being heard by God, while the other promotes God's love regardless of human faults.
Paradox #2
The potential doctrinal conflict with this verse could be related to the idea of unconditional love and forgiveness versus the concept of sin affecting one's relationship with God. Some may argue that if God is loving and forgiving, past sins should not block prayer communication. However, others believe that harboring sin affects the heart and relationship with God.
Paradox #3
Some people see a contradiction in interpretations of this verse because it suggests that holding onto sin affects prayer, which seems to conflict with the idea of God's unconditional grace. Others argue it's consistent with the teaching that while grace is offered, a sincere heart is important for a genuine relationship with God.
Paradox #4
The contradiction or conflict could arise from the idea that harboring wrongdoing or sin in one's heart affects prayers being heard by God. Some might see this as inconsistent with the belief that God is forgiving and always willing to listen, regardless of one's state of virtue or sin. This could create tension between the concepts of God's justice and God's mercy.