Psalms 102:20 Contradictions and Paradoxes

According to the psalmist, God listens when people who feel trapped or very sad cry out, and He wants to help and free those who feel like they're facing something very hard or scary. God cares for everyone and wants to bring them hope and freedom.

Contradiction with Isaiah 57:1

This verse suggests that the righteous are taken away and none understands, implying that the oppressed go unnoticed, whereas Psalms 102:20 claims God hears the groaning of the oppressed.

Isaiah 57:1: The righteous perisheth, and no man layeth [it] to heart: and merciful men [are] taken away, none considering that the righteous is taken away from the evil [to come]. [merciful...: Heb. men of kindness, or, godliness] [from...: or, from that which is evil]

Contradiction with Proverbs 10:3

This verse states that the LORD will not allow the soul of the righteous to famish, while Psalms 102:20 implies God is attentive to the cries due to neglect or affliction.

Proverbs 10:3: The LORD will not suffer the soul of the righteous to famish: but he casteth away the substance of the wicked. [the substance...: or, the wicked for their wickedness]

Contradiction with Psalm 37:25

This verse asserts that the righteous will not be forsaken or beg bread, which seems contrary to Psalms 102:20's implication that the suffering poor need God's intervention.

Psalm 37:25: I have been young, and [now] am old; yet have I not seen the righteous forsaken, nor his seed begging bread.

Contradiction with Ecclesiastes 7:15

This verse observes that sometimes the righteous perish despite righteousness, contradicting Psalms 102:20's implication of divine attention to their afflictions.

Ecclesiastes 7:15: All [things] have I seen in the days of my vanity: there is a just [man] that perisheth in his righteousness, and there is a wicked [man] that prolongeth [his life] in his wickedness.

Contradiction with Matthew 5:45

Jesus mentions that God makes the sun rise on the evil and the good, contradicting Psalms 102:20's implication that God specifically listens to the cries of the oppressed.

Matthew 5:45: That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust.

Contradiction with Job 21:7

This verse questions why the wicked live on and become powerful, seemingly contradicting the notion in Psalms 102:20 that God listens to the groaning of the oppressed, implying imminent support.