Some argue that the Bible is contradictory concerning whether God tempts people. The argument is that Genesis 22:1 says that God tempts Abraham, but James 1:13 says that God does not tempt people. However, there is a very simple explanation that explains this alleged contradiction in the Bible.
And it came to pass after these things, that God did tempt Abraham, and said unto him, Abraham: and he said, Behold, here I am.
Genesis 22:1
Let no one say when he is tempted, “I am being tempted by God,” for God cannot be tempted with evil, and he himself tempts no one.
James 1:13
The word translated “tempt” in the King James Version can also mean “test.” This is a better translation of the word in this context. This is why the ESV (and other translations) translate Genesis 22:1 in this way:
After these things God tested Abraham and said to him, “Abraham!” And he said, “Here I am.”
Genesis 22:1
There is simply no contradiction between Genesis 22:1 and James 1:13 because to tempt someone to sin is completely different from God testing a person’s faith. God does not himself tempt any person to sin, but he does test people’s faith.
There are some foundational principles that apply to all alleged and apparent contradictions in the Bible. To read more, see Bible Difficulties: Foundational Principles.
To read more answers to alleged and apparent contradictions in the Bible, see “Contradictions” in the Bible Answered.
These books are also excellent resources:
Evidence That Demands a Verdict: Life-Changing Truth for a Skeptical World - Josh and Sean McDowell
Little Pilgrim's Progress (Illustrated Edition) - Helen L. Taylor