Contradiction with Proverbs 21:15
Proverbs 21:15 states that it is a joy to do justice, contrasting with Ecclesiastes 3:16’s observation of wickedness in places of judgment.
Proverbs 21:15: [It is] joy to the just to do judgment: but destruction [shall be] to the workers of iniquity.
Contradiction with Isaiah 1:17
Isaiah 1:17 urges people to seek justice and rebuke the oppressor, which contradicts Ecclesiastes 3:16’s acknowledgment of wickedness in judgment.
Isaiah 1:17: Learn to do well; seek judgment, relieve the oppressed, judge the fatherless, plead for the widow. [relieve: or, righten]
Contradiction with Micah 6:8
Micah 6:8 commands to do justly and love mercy, challenging the presence of wickedness in judgment as noted in Ecclesiastes 3:16.
Micah 6:8: He hath shewed thee, O man, what [is] good; and what doth the LORD require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God? [walk...: Heb. humble thyself to walk]
Contradiction with Deuteronomy 16:20
Deuteronomy 16:20 demands just judgment, which opposes the wickedness described in judgment seats in Ecclesiastes 3:16.
Deuteronomy 16:20: That which is altogether just shalt thou follow, that thou mayest live, and inherit the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee. [That which...: Heb. Justice, justice]
Contradiction with Psalm 82:3
Psalm 82:3 instructs to defend the poor and fatherless and maintain justice, contrasting the presence of wickedness in seats of justice mentioned in Ecclesiastes 3:16.
Psalm 82:3: Defend the poor and fatherless: do justice to the afflicted and needy. [Defend: Heb. Judge]
Contradiction with Proverbs 17:15
Proverbs 17:15 condemns justifying the wicked, whereas Ecclesiastes 3:16 acknowledges the presence of wickedness in justice places.
Proverbs 17:15: He that justifieth the wicked, and he that condemneth the just, even they both [are] abomination to the LORD.
Contradiction with Isaiah 5:20
Isaiah 5:20 warns against calling evil good, in contradiction to the wickedness observed where justice should be in Ecclesiastes 3:16.
Isaiah 5:20: Woe unto them that call evil good, and good evil; that put darkness for light, and light for darkness; that put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter! [call...: Heb. say concerning evil, It is good, etc]
Paradox #1
Ecclesiastes 3:16 highlights the presence of injustice and wickedness in places where there should be justice and righteousness. The theological conflict arises because it questions why a just and all-powerful God would allow such unfairness and wrongdoing to exist in human institutions like courts or places of judgment. This can seem inconsistent with the idea of a perfectly just God overseeing the world.
Paradox #2
Ecclesiastes 3:16 points out the presence of wickedness in places where there should be justice and fairness. The potential doctrinal conflict here could be the perception of God’s justice; it might seem to contradict the idea that God is always in control and ensures justice is served. This could raise questions about the coexistence of divine justice and earthly injustice.
Paradox #3
Ecclesiastes 3:16 talks about finding wickedness where there should be justice and righteousness. The contradiction or conflict here can be that this observation seems to challenge the belief in a just and orderly world governed by a fair and righteous God. It raises questions about why evil and corruption exist in places meant for fairness, which can be puzzling or challenging to some religious teachings about divine justice and oversight.
Paradox #4
The contradiction or conflict in Ecclesiastes 3:16 lies in the observation that places meant for justice are often filled with wickedness. This presents an inconsistency between the expectation of justice and the reality of corruption, highlighting a tension between moral ideals and actual human behavior.