Contradiction with Proverbs 3:7
Ecclesiastes 1:16 speaks of boasting in wisdom, while Proverbs 3:7 advises not to be wise in one's own eyes.
Proverbs 3:7: Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear the LORD, and depart from evil.
Contradiction with 1 Corinthians 3:18-19
Ecclesiastes 1:16 claims great wisdom, but 1 Corinthians 3:18-19 speaks of the wisdom of this world as foolishness with God.
1 Corinthians 3:18-19: Let no man deceive himself. If any man among you seemeth to be wise in this world, let him become a fool, that he may be wise.
Contradiction with James 3:13-17
While Ecclesiastes 1:16 claims great wisdom, James 3:13-17 describes true wisdom as being pure and peaceable, contrasting earthly wisdom with godly wisdom.
James 3:13-17: Who [is] a wise man and endued with knowledge among you? let him shew out of a good conversation his works with meekness of wisdom.
Contradiction with Proverbs 26:12
Ecclesiastes 1:16 suggests wisdom, whereas Proverbs 26:12 warns against being wise in one's own eyes as folly.
Proverbs 26:12: Seest thou a man wise in his own conceit? [there is] more hope of a fool than of him.
Paradox #1
The contradiction or inconsistency related to this verse could be the attribution of Solomon as the author of Ecclesiastes. Some scholars argue that the language and literary style suggest it was written after Solomon's time, which raises questions about the claimed authorship and the wisdom it describes.
Paradox #2
The contradiction could be that while the verse emphasizes the wisdom and knowledge of the speaker, elsewhere in the Bible, there are teachings that caution against human wisdom and prioritize obedience and faith in God over personal understanding. This creates a tension between valuing human wisdom and recognizing its limitations in spiritual matters.