Contradiction with Ecclesiastes 3:4
1 Thessalonians 5:16 advises constant rejoicing, while Ecclesiastes 3:4 states there is a time to weep, suggesting there are appropriate times for different emotions beyond joy.
Ecclesiastes 3:4: A time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance;
Contradiction with James 4:9
James instructs to be afflicted, mourn, and weep, which contradicts the call for constant joyfulness in 1 Thessalonians 5:16.
James 4:9: Be afflicted, and mourn, and weep: let your laughter be turned to mourning, and [your] joy to heaviness.
Contradiction with Matthew 5:4
This verse indicates that those who mourn will be blessed, contrasting with the directive to always rejoice in 1 Thessalonians 5:16.
Matthew 5:4: Blessed [are] they that mourn: for they shall be comforted.
Contradiction with Proverbs 14:13
It mentions that even in laughter the heart may ache, implying that joy is not always possible, in contrast to the continuous rejoicing in 1 Thessalonians 5:16.
Proverbs 14:13: Even in laughter the heart is sorrowful; and the end of that mirth [is] heaviness.
Contradiction with John 16:20
Jesus tells his disciples they will weep and lament, which opposes the idea of always rejoicing found in 1 Thessalonians 5:16.
John 16:20: Verily, verily, I say unto you, That ye shall weep and lament, but the world shall rejoice: and ye shall be sorrowful, but your sorrow shall be turned into joy.
Paradox #1
One possible contradiction or inconsistency could be the difficulty of maintaining the behavior described in overwhelming or tragic situations, where such behavior might feel unnatural or insincere.