Contradiction with Romans 3:28
Contradicts by asserting that justification is by faith without the deeds of the law, whereas Ecclesiastes 12:13 emphasizes keeping God's commandments.
Romans 3:28: Therefore we conclude that a man is justified by faith without the deeds of the law.
Contradiction with Galatians 3:11
States that no one is justified by the law in the sight of God, which contrasts with Ecclesiastes 12:13's focus on obeying commandments.
Galatians 3:11: But that no man is justified by the law in the sight of God, [it is] evident: for, The just shall live by faith.
Contradiction with Ephesians 2:8-9
Emphasizes salvation by grace through faith and not by works, in contrast to Ecclesiastes 12:13's emphasis on keeping God's commandments.
Ephesians 2:8-9: For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: [it is] the gift of God:
Contradiction with Romans 6:14
Suggests believers are not under the law but under grace, which contrasts with Ecclesiastes 12:13’s commandment focus.
Romans 6:14: For sin shall not have dominion over you: for ye are not under the law, but under grace.
Paradox #1
Ecclesiastes 12:13 emphasizes the importance of fearing God and keeping His commandments as the whole duty of mankind. A potential contradiction or inconsistency might arise when comparing this with the New Testament teachings of salvation by faith, particularly in Paul’s letters where he emphasizes faith in Jesus Christ over adherence to the law. This could lead to differing interpretations of how one achieves a right relationship with God—through works (following commandments) or through faith.
Paradox #2
The verse in question emphasizes the importance of fearing God and keeping His commandments as the whole duty of humanity. A potential contradiction or inconsistency could arise when this is compared to the New Testament teachings that emphasize faith in Jesus Christ as the path to salvation, such as in Ephesians 2:8-9, which emphasizes salvation by grace through faith, not by works. This might appear to contrast with the Old Testament's emphasis on law and commandments. However, many theologians reconcile this by explaining that faith and obedience to God's commandments are both essential aspects of a relationship with God.
Paradox #3
Ecclesiastes 12:13 emphasizes the importance of fearing God and keeping His commandments as the whole duty of humanity. A potential contradiction could arise if this perspective is seen as conflicting with the idea of personal freedom or autonomy. Some might argue that focusing solely on fearing God and following commandments could ignore the importance of individual choice, personal ethics, or the pursuit of one's own understanding of right and wrong. Such a viewpoint could be seen as limiting personal moral reasoning.