Contradiction with Psalm 139:14
This verse expresses gratitude for life being fearfully and wonderfully made, contradicting Ecclesiastes 2:17's lament about hating life.
Psalm 139:14: I will praise thee; for I am fearfully [and] wonderfully made: marvellous [are] thy works; and [that] my soul knoweth right well. [right...: Heb. greatly]
Contradiction with Philippians 4:4
Encourages rejoicing in life, in contrast to Ecclesiastes 2:17's expression of hating life.
Philippians 4:4: Rejoice in the Lord alway: [and] again I say, Rejoice.
Contradiction with John 10:10
Jesus speaks of bringing life more abundantly, opposing the negative view of life in Ecclesiastes 2:17.
John 10:10: The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have [it] more abundantly.
Contradiction with 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
Advises constant joy and thankfulness, differing from the despair mentioned in Ecclesiastes 2:17.
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18: Rejoice evermore.
Contradiction with James 1:2
Suggests counting trials as joy, which clashes with the despair in Ecclesiastes 2:17.
James 1:2: My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; [temptations: or, trials]
Contradiction with Romans 15:13
Talks about joy and peace, contrasting with the sadness expressed in Ecclesiastes 2:17.
Romans 15:13: Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost.
Contradiction with Proverbs 8:35
States that finding wisdom brings life and favor from the Lord, unlike the negative perspective of Ecclesiastes 2:17.
Proverbs 8:35: For whoso findeth me findeth life, and shall obtain favour of the LORD. [obtain: Heb. bring forth]
Contradiction with Proverbs 14:27
Describes the fear of the Lord as a fountain of life, in opposition to the despairing sentiment in Ecclesiastes 2:17.
Proverbs 14:27: The fear of the LORD [is] a fountain of life, to depart from the snares of death.
Contradiction with Galatians 2:20
Highlights living life through faith in Christ, contrary to the hate for life in Ecclesiastes 2:17.
Galatians 2:20: I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.
Contradiction with 1 Peter 3:10-11
Encourages loving life and seeing good days, which directly opposes the sentiment of Ecclesiastes 2:17.
1 Peter 3:10-11: For he that will love life, and see good days, let him refrain his tongue from evil, and his lips that they speak no guile:
Paradox #1
Ecclesiastes 2:17 expresses a sense of despair and dislike for life. The potential contradiction could be seen when compared to other parts of the Bible that emphasize the value and gift of life, such as in Genesis where life is presented as part of God's creation, and in the New Testament where life is often depicted as fulfilling when lived in relationship with God. This contrast between despair and the value of life might seem inconsistent within a broader theological context that usually views life positively.
Paradox #2
Ecclesiastes 2:17 expresses feelings of despair and dissatisfaction with life. A possible contradiction might be that while this verse conveys a negative and pessimistic outlook, other parts of the Bible emphasize the joy, purpose, and meaning found in life through faith in God. This creates tension between the despair expressed in Ecclesiastes and the hope and fulfillment described elsewhere.
Paradox #3
The possible contradiction in the message could be about the book's exploration of life's meaning. The verse expresses a negative or despairing view of life, questioning its purpose. This conflicts with other parts of religious texts that often emphasize hope, purpose, and a positive outlook on life. Different parts of the Bible provide varied perspectives on life's meaning, leading to possible conflict or inconsistency in interpretation.
Paradox #4
Ecclesiastes 2:17 expresses a sense of despair and dislike for life because of its perceived meaningless. The contradiction here could be seen in the broader biblical context that often emphasizes the value and purpose of life as given by God. This could conflict with the typically positive and purposeful outlook found in other parts of the Bible, leading to an inconsistency within the overall message about life's meaning and worth.