Contradiction with Exodus 4:11
While Psalms 115:5 speaks of idols that have mouths but do not speak, Exodus 4:11 affirms that God created the mouth and controls who can speak and who cannot, highlighting God's active engagement versus the passive nature of idols.
Exodus 4:11: And the LORD said unto him, Who hath made man's mouth? or who maketh the dumb, or deaf, or the seeing, or the blind? have not I the LORD?
Contradiction with Isaiah 55:11
Psalms 115:5 contrasts with this verse which states that God's word, when spoken, achieves His will and prospers, emphasizing the power and effectiveness of divine speech as opposed to the silence of idols.
Isaiah 55:11: So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper [in the thing] whereto I sent it.
Contradiction with Deuteronomy 4:7
This verse emphasizes the closeness and responsiveness of God to His people, in direct contradiction to the silent and inactive characteristics of idols described in Psalms 115:5.
Deuteronomy 4:7: For what nation [is there so] great, who [hath] God [so] nigh unto them, as the LORD our God [is] in all [things that] we call upon him [for]?
Contradiction with Matthew 4:4
Jesus in this verse describes the necessity and life-giving nature of every word that comes from the mouth of God, which contrasts sharply with the lifeless and mute nature of idols in Psalms 115:5.
Matthew 4:4: But he answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God.
Contradiction with Psalm 19:1-4
While Psalms 115:5 depicts mute idols, these verses describe creation proclaiming God's glory and knowledge revealing His active communication through nature.
Psalm 19:1-4: [To the chief Musician, A Psalm of David.] The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament sheweth his handywork.
Contradiction with Jeremiah 10:5
Describes idols as scarecrows in a cucumber field, unable to speak, walk, or do any harm or good, reinforcing the point of idol's impotence contrasted with the living God's involvement with creation.
Jeremiah 10:5: They [are] upright as the palm tree, but speak not: they must needs be borne, because they cannot go. Be not afraid of them; for they cannot do evil, neither also [is it] in them to do good.
Contradiction with 1 Kings 18:26-29
This passage recounts the prophets of Baal calling on their god, who remains silent, in contrast to Psalms 115:5 where idols have mouths but do not speak, highlighting the futility of idol worship compared to the living God.
1 Kings 18:26-29: And they took the bullock which was given them, and they dressed [it], and called on the name of Baal from morning even until noon, saying, O Baal, hear us. But [there was] no voice, nor any that answered. And they leaped upon the altar which was made. [hear: or, answer] [answered: or, heard] [leaped...: or, leaped up and down at the altar]
Paradox #1
The contradiction or conflict could be that it critiques idol worship despite other Bible passages showing respect for physical representations in religious contexts.