Critics are fond of quoting Genesis 6:9, which speaks of Noah being "perfect", and asking if this does not contradict statements elsewhere that all men sin (such as Romans 3:23). They misunderstand this verse, as well as similar verses like Job 1:1 and Luke 1:6 that describe various men as perfect, righteous, or blameless.

Typically, Ancient Near Eastern (ANE) literature used exaggeration for effect. Job, Noah and others were comparatively righteous, and are described as completely so for comparative effect. These descriptions do not claim absolute, sinless perfection that would contradict the Christian teaching that all have sinned.