Contradiction with 1 Corinthians 1:25
It states that the foolishness of God is wiser than human wisdom, suggesting that human wisdom's superiority is questionable.
1 Corinthians 1:25: Because the foolishness of God is wiser than men; and the weakness of God is stronger than men.
Contradiction with Proverbs 3:7
Advises not to be wise in one's own eyes, implying human wisdom is not necessarily preferable.
Proverbs 3:7: Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear the LORD, and depart from evil.
Contradiction with Jeremiah 9:23
Warns against boasting in wisdom, indicating wisdom might not always be better than folly.
Jeremiah 9:23: Thus saith the LORD, Let not the wise [man] glory in his wisdom, neither let the mighty [man] glory in his might, let not the rich [man] glory in his riches:
Contradiction with Matthew 11:25
Jesus thanks God for hiding things from the wise and revealing them to infants, suggesting wisdom might not be superior.
Matthew 11:25: At that time Jesus answered and said, I thank thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent, and hast revealed them unto babes.
Contradiction with 1 Corinthians 3:19
Declares the wisdom of this world is foolishness with God, challenging the view that wisdom excels folly.
1 Corinthians 3:19: For the wisdom of this world is foolishness with God. For it is written, He taketh the wise in their own craftiness.
Contradiction with Isaiah 47:10
Criticizes confidence in one's own wisdom, implying that wisdom does not guarantee superiority over folly.
Isaiah 47:10: For thou hast trusted in thy wickedness: thou hast said, None seeth me. Thy wisdom and thy knowledge, it hath perverted thee; and thou hast said in thine heart, I [am], and none else beside me. [perverted...: or, caused thee to turn away]
Paradox #1
Ecclesiastes 2:13 suggests that wisdom is better than folly, just as light is better than darkness. A potential contradiction arises when this idea is compared to passages that emphasize faith over human wisdom, like in 1 Corinthians 3:19, where it states that the wisdom of this world is foolishness with God. This might seem inconsistent because one part of the Bible praises wisdom, while another part suggests it is folly in spiritual terms.
Paradox #2
The contradiction or conflict in the verse could be seen in the idea that while one thing is better than another, both might still lead to the same end. This may conflict with the notion that moral or wise choices always lead to distinctly better outcomes in life.