Contradiction with Proverbs 15:15
Ecclesiastes 11:8 suggests rejoicing in all the years of life, but Proverbs 15:15 states that all the days of the afflicted are evil, contrasting joy with affliction.
Proverbs 15:15: All the days of the afflicted [are] evil: but he that is of a merry heart [hath] a continual feast.
Contradiction with Job 14:1
Ecclesiastes 11:8 mentions enjoying many years, whereas Job 14:1 describes life as being full of trouble, opposing enjoyment.
Job 14:1: Man [that is] born of a woman [is] of few days, and full of trouble. [few...: Heb. short of days]
Contradiction with James 4:14
Ecclesiastes 11:8 discusses sweet years of life, but James 4:14 emphasizes the brevity and uncertainty of life, suggesting it vanishes quickly, conflicting with the notion of many years.
James 4:14: Whereas ye know not what [shall be] on the morrow. For what [is] your life? It is even a vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away. [It...: or, For it is]
Contradiction with Psalm 90:10
Ecclesiastes 11:8 encourages rejoicing throughout many years, while Psalm 90:10 acknowledges that even the longer life span is accompanied by labor and sorrow, contrasting with uninterrupted joy.
Psalm 90:10: The days of our years [are] threescore years and ten; and if by reason of strength [they be] fourscore years, yet [is] their strength labour and sorrow; for it is soon cut off, and we fly away. [The days...: Heb. As for the days of our years, in them are seventy years]
Contradiction with Isaiah 40:7
Ecclesiastes 11:8 suggests cherishing life's sweetness, yet Isaiah 40:7 highlights the fragility and temporary nature of life, contrasting enduring enjoyment.
Isaiah 40:7: The grass withereth, the flower fadeth: because the spirit of the LORD bloweth upon it: surely the people [is] grass.
Contradiction with Genesis 47:9
Ecclesiastes 11:8 promotes the enjoyment of years, but Genesis 47:9 remarks on the hardships and shortness of life, opposing the sentiment of long-lasting joy.
Genesis 47:9: And Jacob said unto Pharaoh, The days of the years of my pilgrimage [are] an hundred and thirty years: few and evil have the days of the years of my life been, and have not attained unto the days of the years of the life of my fathers in the days of their pilgrimage.
Contradiction with Psalm 39:5
Ecclesiastes 11:8 encourages delighting in one's years, while Psalm 39:5 reflects on the transient and insignificant nature of life, contradicting sustained happiness.
Psalm 39:5: Behold, thou hast made my days [as] an handbreadth; and mine age [is] as nothing before thee: verily every man at his best state [is] altogether vanity. Selah. [at...: Heb. settled]
Paradox #1
Ecclesiastes 11:8 could be seen as inconsistent because it talks about enjoying life despite its challenges. This might seem to conflict with other parts of the Bible that emphasize suffering or humility as paths to spiritual growth. Different interpretations can lead to confusion about whether to focus on enjoyment or sacrifice.
Paradox #2
The Bible often portrays life as challenging and full of suffering, which might seem to conflict with the idea of living many years joyfully. This could appear inconsistent with other parts of the Bible that emphasize life's hardships. However, it highlights the complexity of life, blending both joy and difficulty.
Paradox #3
The contradiction in this verse could arise from the idea of enjoying many years of life despite acknowledging that they may be filled with both good and bad times. This might conflict with teachings that emphasize the uncertainty and fleeting nature of life, suggesting that focusing solely on enjoyment could be seen as ignoring deeper spiritual or moral responsibilities.