Contradiction with Proverbs 3:5
This verse advises trusting in the Lord with all your heart and not leaning on your own understanding, contradicting the notion in Ecclesiastes 2:15 about relying on wisdom.
Proverbs 3:5: Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.
Contradiction with James 1:5
This verse encourages asking God for wisdom, while Ecclesiastes 2:15 questions the ultimate value of wisdom.
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 1 Corinthians 1:25
This verse states the foolishness of God is wiser than human wisdom, opposing the view in Ecclesiastes 2:15 that equates wise and foolish outcomes.
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 4:7
This verse states wisdom is the principal thing and should be acquired, differing from the perspective in Ecclesiastes 2:15 that downplays its distinction from folly.
Proverbs 4:7: Wisdom [is] the principal thing; [therefore] get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding.
Contradiction with Proverbs 14:8
This verse highlights the wisdom of the prudent, contrasting Ecclesiastes 2:15's skepticism about the benefit of wisdom over folly.
Proverbs 14:8: The wisdom of the prudent [is] to understand his way: but the folly of fools [is] deceit.
Contradiction with James 3:17
This verse describes the benefits of godly wisdom, differing from Ecclesiastes 2:15's seeming devaluation of wisdom's worth.
James 3:17: But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, [and] easy to be intreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy. [partiality: or, wrangling]
Contradiction with Psalm 111:10
This verse associates the fear of the Lord with the beginning of wisdom, contrasting with Ecclesiastes 2:15’s view of wisdom's temporal gains.
Psalm 111:10: The fear of the LORD [is] the beginning of wisdom: a good understanding have all they that do [his commandments]: his praise endureth for ever. [a good...: or, good success] [his commandments: Heb. them]
Contradiction with Proverbs 2:6
This verse declares that wisdom comes from God and is valuable, differing from Ecclesiastes 2:15's lamenting approach to wisdom’s value.
Proverbs 2:6: For the LORD giveth wisdom: out of his mouth [cometh] knowledge and understanding.
Paradox #1
Ecclesiastes 2:15 might seem contradictory because it questions the value of being wise if the same fate happens to both the wise and the foolish. This could conflict with other biblical teachings that emphasize the importance and benefits of wisdom. However, some interpretations suggest that the verse reflects a moment of existential questioning rather than a final stance, fitting into the broader theme of Ecclesiastes, which explores life's complexities.
Paradox #2
Ecclesiastes 2:15 might seem to conflict with the idea that wisdom always leads to a better life. In this verse, the author reflects that both the wise and the foolish end up with the same fate, which could contradict teachings that wisdom is always superior and more rewarding than folly.
Paradox #3
Ecclesiastes 2:15 presents a reflection on the apparent lack of advantage of wisdom over foolishness since both the wise and the fool ultimately face the same fate. This could conflict with other biblical teachings that emphasize the value and virtue of wisdom over foolishness. It seems contradictory because if wisdom doesn't provide a better outcome, the encouragement to seek wisdom might appear inconsistent.