Contradiction with Proverbs 29:11
While Ecclesiastes 10:20 advises discretion even in private thoughts, Proverbs 29:11 encourages the expression of one's thoughts, suggesting a contrast in the approach to wisdom and disclosure.
Proverbs 29:11: A fool uttereth all his mind: but a wise [man] keepeth it in till afterwards.
Contradiction with Matthew 12:36
Ecclesiastes 10:20 warns against secret curses, while Matthew 12:36 suggests accountability for every spoken word, emphasizing the value of transparency with one's words.
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 James 5:16
Ecclesiastes 10:20 recommends keeping curses to oneself, whereas James 5:16 advises confessing faults to others, promoting openness in communication for healing.
James 5:16: Confess [your] faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.
Contradiction with Ephesians 5:12
Ecclesiastes 10:20 warns against speaking even in private, while Ephesians 5:12 emphasizes the need to expose the secret things done in darkness, encouraging openness.
Ephesians 5:12: For it is a shame even to speak of those things which are done of them in secret.
Contradiction with Matthew 5:44
Ecclesiastes 10:20 implies a caution against cursing a king even in thought, whereas Matthew 5:44 teaches to bless and pray for one's enemies rather than keeping silent curses.
Matthew 5:44: But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you;
Paradox #1
Ecclesiastes 10:20 could be seen as inconsistent with teachings that emphasize forgiveness and not speaking ill of others, as it suggests awareness of potential consequences even for private thoughts or words. This might conflict with ideas about the inner purity of thoughts and the transformative power of grace.
Paradox #2
Ecclesiastes 10:20 advises caution about speaking ill of others, even in private, because what you say might become known. A potential doctrinal inconsistency could arise with the idea of divine justice, where God sees everything and judges fairly. If we believe God is just and omniscient, human fears about hidden words being revealed could conflict with trusting God's ultimate justice and mercy.
Paradox #3
Ecclesiastes 10:20 might seem contradictory when compared to other biblical teachings that encourage speaking truth and not hiding one's thoughts. This verse advises caution in speaking ill of rulers, possibly conflicting with other messages about justice and honesty.
Paradox #4
Ecclesiastes 10:20 suggests that spoken words, even in secret, can be discovered or known by others. The contradiction here could be with the laws of physics, which do not naturally allow for sound to be transmitted through walls or over distances without a medium like air. It suggests an almost supernatural ability for words to travel and be heard, which conflicts with our understanding of sound transmission.
Paradox #5
Ecclesiastes 10:20 talks about not cursing a king even in your thoughts because someone might hear you and report it. The contradiction might be that it suggests being cautious about expressing one's thoughts to avoid trouble, which could conflict with the value of honesty and the freedom to express true feelings. This can seem at odds with the idea of being truthful and open.