Contradiction with Proverbs 15:2
Proverbs 15:2 highlights that wise speech improves knowledge, not just grace, contrasting Ecclesiastes 10:12 which emphasizes grace alone.
Proverbs 15:2: The tongue of the wise useth knowledge aright: but the mouth of fools poureth out foolishness. [poureth: Heb. belcheth, or, bubbleth]
Contradiction with James 3:6
James 3:6 describes the tongue as a fire and a world of iniquity, contradicting the notion in Ecclesiastes 10:12 that the lips of the wise are solely gracious.
James 3:6: And the tongue [is] a fire, a world of iniquity: so is the tongue among our members, that it defileth the whole body, and setteth on fire the course of nature; and it is set on fire of hell. [course: Gr. wheel]
Contradiction with Proverbs 26:7
Proverbs 26:7 suggests that parables from a fool are unheard or unnoticed, which contrasts with the grace and favor that, according to Ecclesiastes 10:12, wisdom should attract.
Proverbs 26:7: The legs of the lame are not equal: so [is] a parable in the mouth of fools. [are...: Heb. are lifted up]
Contradiction with Matthew 12:36
Matthew 12:36 warns that every idle word will be judged, contrasting the idea of speech being purely gracious as depicted in Ecclesiastes 10:12.
Matthew 12:36: But I say unto you, That every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment.
Contradiction with Proverbs 26:9
Proverbs 26:9 notes that a proverb in the mouth of fools is useless, challenging the efficacy of any speech including gracious words.
Proverbs 26:9: [As] a thorn goeth up into the hand of a drunkard, so [is] a parable in the mouth of fools.
Contradiction with Ecclesiastes 7:5
Ecclesiastes 7:5 suggests that rebuke from the wise is beneficial, contrasting with the focus on gracious speech in Ecclesiastes 10:12.
Ecclesiastes 7:5: [It is] better to hear the rebuke of the wise, than for a man to hear the song of fools.
Contradiction with Proverbs 18:2
Proverbs 18:2 emphasizes that fools have no delight in understanding but only expressing their own opinions, opposing the view in Ecclesiastes 10:12 regarding the lips of the wise.
Proverbs 18:2: A fool hath no delight in understanding, but that his heart may discover itself.
Paradox #1
Ecclesiastes 10:12 highlights the benefits of wise words and the harm caused by foolish speech. A contradiction could arise when comparing this to instances elsewhere in the Bible where God uses the words of the foolish to convey wisdom or important messages. This may seem inconsistent because it suggests that foolish words can sometimes have positive outcomes, conflicting with the idea that only wise words are beneficial.