Sometimes when I read the Bible it sounds like it contradicts itself. Does it?

Much has been said over the centuries concerning apparent contradictions in the Bible. Josh McDowell and Don Stewart offer the following comments in their book ANSWERS TO TOUGH QUESTIONS SKEPTICS ASK ABOUT THE CHRISTIAN FAITH:

	Certain passages at first glance appear to be contradictory, but further investigation will show that this is not the case.
	One of the things for which we appeal with regard to possible contradictions is fairness. We should not minimize or exaggerate the problem, and we must always begin by giving the author the benefit of the doubt. This is the rule in other literature, and we ask that it also be the rule here. We find so often that people want to employ a different set of rules when it comes to examining the Bible, and to this we immediately object.
	When facing possible contradictions, it is of the highest importance to remember that two statements may differ from each other without being contradictory. Some fail to make a distinction between contradiction and difference.
	It must also be stressed that when a possible explanation is given to a Bible difficulty, it is unreasonable to state that the passage contains a demonstrable error. Some difficulties in Scripture result from our inadequate knowledge about the circumstances, and do not necessarily involve an error. These only prove that we are ignorant of the background.
	While all Bible difficulties and discrepancies have not yet been cleared up, it is our firm conviction that as more knowledge is gained of the Bible's past, these problems will fade away. The biblical conception of God is an all -knowing, all-powerful being who does not contradict Himself, and so we feel that His Word, when properly understood, will not contradict itself.

What is the difference between Bible reading and Bible meditation?

We believe that it is essential to differentiate between reading and meditating on the Bible. Reading is primarily assimilation of facts without application. When we meditate on the Word of God, we seek to make personal application of the Scriptures to our own lives and circumstances. It is at that very moment that the Holy Spirit is able to speak to us, for as the apostle Paul said, "All scripture is...profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness" (2 Timothy 3:16). We never know how or when the Holy Spirit will use the Word of God to bring conviction and correction. As God promises in Isaiah 55:11, the Word "will not return to me empty ."

It is also essential to remember that Satan knows the Scriptures well. He often uses Scripture, out of context, to tempt us. He is a master at distorting what the Word of God says (Genesis 3:1). However, when Satan tempted Jesus in the wilderness (Luke, chapter 4), Jesus used the Scriptures to defeat him. The Word of God is our sure defense against Satan's attacks.