Contradiction with Matthew 15:8
This verse highlights sincerity, where people honor God with lips but their hearts are far from Him, contrasting with the deceitfully flattering words described in Psalms 78:36.
Matthew 15:8: This people draweth nigh unto me with their mouth, and honoureth me with [their] lips; but their heart is far from me.
Contradiction with Proverbs 27:6
This verse emphasizes that faithful are the wounds of a friend, but deceitful are the kisses of an enemy, highlighting the contradiction of insincere flattery as in Psalms 78:36.
Proverbs 27:6: Faithful [are] the wounds of a friend; but the kisses of an enemy [are] deceitful. [deceitful: or, earnest, or, frequent]
Contradiction with Isaiah 29:13
This verse speaks of people drawing near with their mouth and honoring with lips while their hearts are removed, similar to the flattery mentioned in Psalms 78:36 but focusing on the insincerity of the act.
Isaiah 29:13: Wherefore the Lord said, Forasmuch as this people draw near [me] with their mouth, and with their lips do honour me, but have removed their heart far from me, and their fear toward me is taught by the precept of men:
Contradiction with Jeremiah 12:2
This verse points out that lips can be near to God, but hearts are far from Him, which aligns with the superficial flattery in Psalms 78:36.
Jeremiah 12:2: Thou hast planted them, yea, they have taken root: they grow, yea, they bring forth fruit: thou [art] near in their mouth, and far from their reins. [they grow: Heb. they go on]
Contradiction with James 3:10
From the same mouth come blessing and cursing, which contradicts the genuineness expected in worship and highlights the insincerity suggested in Psalms 78:36.
James 3:10: Out of the same mouth proceedeth blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not so to be.
Paradox #1
The contradiction or inconsistency in the verse could be related to the idea of people saying one thing with their words but having different intentions in their hearts. It highlights the conflict between outward actions and inner truthfulness. Some might see it as a critique of hypocrisy, where people might say they are devoted but do not genuinely feel or act that way inside.