Contradiction with Proverbs 2:6
This verse states that the Lord gives wisdom and knowledge, portraying them as gifts rather than sources of grief.
Proverbs 2:6: For the LORD giveth wisdom: out of his mouth [cometh] knowledge and understanding.
Contradiction with James 1:5
This verse encourages asking God for wisdom, suggesting it is beneficial rather than causing sorrow.
James 1:5: If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all [men] liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.
Contradiction with Proverbs 3:13
This verse says that finding wisdom and understanding brings happiness, not grief or sorrow.
Proverbs 3:13: Happy [is] the man [that] findeth wisdom, and the man [that] getteth understanding. [that getteth...: Heb. that draweth out understanding]
Contradiction with Proverbs 4:7
This verse instructs to get wisdom and with all thy getting, get understanding, indicating they are valuable pursuits rather than burdensome.
Proverbs 4:7: Wisdom [is] the principal thing; [therefore] get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding.
Contradiction with Colossians 2:2-3
These verses speak of the riches of full assurance of understanding and knowledge, implying they bring comfort and wealth, not affliction.
Colossians 2:2-3: That their hearts might be comforted, being knit together in love, and unto all riches of the full assurance of understanding, to the acknowledgement of the mystery of God, and of the Father, and of Christ;
Paradox #1
Ecclesiastes 1:18 suggests that with more knowledge and wisdom comes more sorrow and grief. This could potentially contradict the general biblical encouragement to seek wisdom and understanding, as found in Proverbs, where wisdom is often portrayed as a valuable and positive pursuit. The tension arises from the differing perspectives on the consequences of gaining wisdom.
Paradox #2
Ecclesiastes 1:18 might seem contradictory because it suggests that more wisdom and knowledge bring more sorrow and grief. This could conflict with other parts of the Bible that praise wisdom and encourage seeking knowledge as positive and beneficial. This contradiction can be seen in how wisdom is often linked to happiness and a closer relationship with God in other scriptures.
Paradox #3
Ecclesiastes 1:18 might seem in conflict because it suggests that with more wisdom comes more sorrow. This might seem inconsistent with other parts of the Bible that celebrate wisdom as a positive and desirable trait, like in the Book of Proverbs, which often speaks of wisdom leading to happiness and success. This could lead to confusion about whether wisdom is truly beneficial or burdensome.
Paradox #4
The contradiction or inconsistency in this verse could be the idea that gaining more knowledge and wisdom leads to more sorrow and trouble. In science, gaining knowledge and understanding is generally seen as a positive pursuit that leads to solutions, progress, and improvements in quality of life. This view conflicts with the idea that increased wisdom inherently leads to negative outcomes.
Paradox #5
Ecclesiastes 1:18 suggests that with increased knowledge comes increased sorrow. The contradiction or conflict might be that, typically, gaining wisdom and knowledge is seen as positive and beneficial. This verse, however, implies that knowing more could lead to unhappiness, which can feel inconsistent with the generally positive view of learning and enlightenment, both in the Bible and in broader cultural values.