Contradiction with Proverbs 19:10
Ecclesiastes 10:7 states that servants are riding upon horses, implying positions of honor, while Proverbs 19:10 suggests it is not fitting for a fool to indulge in luxury or command, contradicting the idea of servants in elevated positions.
Proverbs 19:10: Delight is not seemly for a fool; much less for a servant to have rule over princes.
Contradiction with 1 Corinthians 1:27
Ecclesiastes 10:7 seems to bemoan the reversal of social order, while 1 Corinthians 1:27 highlights God's choice to exalt the lowly and humble, viewing such reversals positively.
1 Corinthians 1:27: But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty;
Contradiction with Luke 1:52
Ecclesiastes 10:7 expresses a negative view of social hierarchies being reversed, whereas Luke 1:52 praises God for bringing down rulers and exalting the humble.
Luke 1:52: He hath put down the mighty from [their] seats, and exalted them of low degree.
Contradiction with James 2:5
Ecclesiastes 10:7 implies chaos or inversion of social norms when the humble are elevated, in contrast, James 2:5 speaks of God choosing the poor to be rich in faith, aligning with divine intention.
James 2:5: Hearken, my beloved brethren, Hath not God chosen the poor of this world rich in faith, and heirs of the kingdom which he hath promised to them that love him? [of the: or, of that]
Contradiction with Matthew 20:16
Ecclesiastes 10:7 suggests an undesired reversal of roles, whereas Matthew 20:16 emphasizes the kingdom principle that the last will be first, portraying such reversals as ordained and positive.
Matthew 20:16: So the last shall be first, and the first last: for many be called, but few chosen.
Contradiction with Psalm 113:7-8
Ecclesiastes 10:7 implies that servants in high positions are improper, while Psalm 113:7-8 shows God raises the poor and needy to sit with princes, presenting a divine purpose in such exaltation.
Psalm 113:7-8: He raiseth up the poor out of the dust, [and] lifteth the needy out of the dunghill;
Paradox #1
Ecclesiastes 10:7 might be seen as having a contradiction or inconsistency in terms of societal roles and divine justice. This verse could imply an inconsistency with the idea that God establishes societal order and roles, where seeing servants in high positions and princes on foot challenges the expectation of a divinely ordained social hierarchy. Yet, many other parts of scripture emphasize the importance of humility and God lifting the humble, which may seem at odds with the critique of a reversal of roles.
Paradox #2
This verse might create a contradiction because it suggests a reversal of expected social roles or status. Some might view it as conflicting with the idea that social and economic positions are deserved or divinely ordained, introducing questions about fairness and justice.