Contradiction with Proverbs 17:22
A merry heart doeth good like a medicine: but a broken spirit drieth the bones.
Proverbs 17:22: A merry heart doeth good [like] a medicine: but a broken spirit drieth the bones. [like: or, to]
Contradiction with Ecclesiastes 3:4
A time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance.
Ecclesiastes 3:4: A time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance;
Contradiction with Proverbs 15:13
A merry heart maketh a cheerful countenance: but by sorrow of the heart the spirit is broken.
Proverbs 15:13: A merry heart maketh a cheerful countenance: but by sorrow of the heart the spirit is broken.
Contradiction with Psalms 126:2
Then was our mouth filled with laughter, and our tongue with singing: then said they among the heathen, The Lord hath done great things for them.
Psalms 126:2: Then was our mouth filled with laughter, and our tongue with singing: then said they among the heathen, The LORD hath done great things for them. [hath...: Heb. hath magnified to do with them]
Paradox #1
Ecclesiastes 2:2 criticizes laughter and pleasure as being pointless, but other parts of the Bible, like Proverbs 17:22, suggest that a cheerful heart or laughter can be beneficial. This could seem like a contradiction, as one verse views laughter negatively while the other sees it positively.
Paradox #2
Ecclesiastes 2:2 could be seen as contradictory to biblical teachings that encourage joy and laughter as blessings. While this verse might suggest skepticism about laughter, other parts of the Bible, like Proverbs 17:22, highlight the positive effects of a cheerful heart. This can seem inconsistent, as one part questions the value of laughter while another praises it.
Paradox #3
Ecclesiastes 2:2 discusses the emptiness of laughter and pleasure, suggesting they are meaningless. The contradiction could be that in other parts of the Bible, joy and happiness are often portrayed as gifts from God and are encouraged. This can seem inconsistent because while one part suggests these feelings are meaningless, other parts celebrate them as part of a fulfilling life.