Contradiction with Daniel 12:3
Ecclesiastes 2:16 claims that the wise are forgotten just like the foolish, while Daniel 12:3 states that the wise shall shine brightly and be remembered forever.
Daniel 12:3: And they that be wise shall shine as the brightness of the firmament; and they that turn many to righteousness as the stars for ever and ever. [wise: or, teachers]
Contradiction with Proverbs 10:7
Ecclesiastes 2:16 suggests that there is no remembrance of the wise any more than of the fool, but Proverbs 10:7 says that the memory of the just is blessed, implying they are remembered positively.
Proverbs 10:7: The memory of the just [is] blessed: but the name of the wicked shall rot.
Contradiction with Psalm 112:6
Ecclesiastes 2:16 implies that the wise and the fool alike are forgotten, whereas Psalm 112:6 asserts that a righteous man will be remembered forever.
Psalm 112:6: Surely he shall not be moved for ever: the righteous shall be in everlasting remembrance.
Contradiction with Proverbs 12:2
Ecclesiastes 2:16 suggests all share the same fate, yet Proverbs 12:2 highlights that good will come to those blessed by the Lord, implying a positive remembrance.
Proverbs 12:2: A good [man] obtaineth favour of the LORD: but a man of wicked devices will he condemn.
Contradiction with Isaiah 65:17
Ecclesiastes 2:16 indicates neither wise nor foolish are remembered, yet Isaiah 65:17 speaks of forgetting former troubles, suggesting selective remembrance.
Isaiah 65:17: For, behold, I create new heavens and a new earth: and the former shall not be remembered, nor come into mind. [come...: Heb. come upon the heart]
Paradox #1
Ecclesiastes 2:16 suggests that there is no lasting remembrance of the wise over the foolish, implying that both ultimately face the same fate. This could seem contradictory to other biblical teachings that emphasize the lasting rewards and recognition of wisdom and righteousness, such as in the Psalms or Proverbs, which often contrast the enduring legacy of the wise with the downfall of the foolish. This difference might appear inconsistent within the broader biblical narrative that encourages moral and wise living with the promise of divine acknowledgment.
Paradox #2
Ecclesiastes 2:16 highlights the idea that both the wise and the foolish are ultimately forgotten and face the same fate in death. This could seem to contradict other parts of the Bible that emphasize the value of wisdom and the rewards for the righteous. Some passages suggest that a righteous or wise life leads to lasting honor and remembrance, both from God and within the community, which may seem inconsistent with the idea that everyone is forgotten in the end.
Paradox #3
Ecclesiastes 2:16 mentions that both the wise and the foolish are forgotten over time. This can conflict with other parts of the Bible that emphasize the enduring legacy or remembrance of the wise and righteous, suggesting that their deeds and lives are honored by God and remembered by future generations. This contrast might seem inconsistent within the broader biblical narrative about the value and remembrance of wisdom and righteousness.
Paradox #4
The contradiction in Ecclesiastes 2:16 lies in the reflection on wisdom and folly both leading to the same end—death, where both the wise and the foolish are eventually forgotten. This could conflict with other scriptures that celebrate wisdom as a valuable and lasting virtue, suggesting a tension between the perceived temporary value of wisdom and its more eternal importance.