Contradiction with Matthew 5:39
Ecclesiastes 3:3 mentions a time to kill, while Matthew 5:39 encourages turning the other cheek, promoting non-violence.
Matthew 5:39: But I say unto you, That ye resist not evil: but whosoever shall smite thee on thy right cheek, turn to him the other also.
Contradiction with Exodus 20:13
Ecclesiastes 3:3 indicates a time to kill, contrasting with the commandment "Thou shalt not kill," which forbids killing.
Exodus 20:13: Thou shalt not kill.
Contradiction with Romans 12:19
Ecclesiastes 3:3 discusses a time to kill, yet Romans 12:19 advises against taking vengeance, leaving retribution to God.
Romans 12:19: Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but [rather] give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance [is] mine; I will repay, saith the Lord.
Contradiction with Matthew 26:52
Ecclesiastes 3:3 suggests there is a time to kill, whereas Matthew 26:52 warns that those who take up the sword will perish by the sword, promoting peace over violence.
Matthew 26:52: Thinkest thou that I cannot now pray to my Father, and he shall presently give me more than twelve legions of angels?
Contradiction with 1 John 3:15
Ecclesiastes 3:3 implies a time for killing; however, 1 John 3:15 equates hatred to murder, emphasizing love over conflict.
1 John 3:15: Whosoever hateth his brother is a murderer: and ye know that no murderer hath eternal life abiding in him.
Paradox #1
Ecclesiastes 3:3, which mentions a time to kill and a time to heal, could be seen as conflicting with commandments that prohibit killing, such as "You shall not murder" in the Ten Commandments. This can create a challenge in understanding when taking a life might be justified versus when it is considered wrong.
Paradox #2
Ecclesiastes 3:3 discusses a time for various actions, including building and tearing down. A contradiction or conflict could arise when comparing this cyclical idea with other parts of the Bible that emphasize steadfastness, commitment, or permanence in actions and values, such as the immutability of God's laws or the emphasis on eternal principles elsewhere. This might seem inconsistent with the notion of shifting times and actions.
Paradox #3
Ecclesiastes 3:3 mentions that there is "a time to kill, and a time to heal." The moral conflict here could arise from the idea of killing being justified or acceptable in some instances, which may contradict the broader teaching in many religious and moral frameworks that life is sacred and killing is inherently wrong. This could create tension between understanding when, if ever, taking a life is morally permissible.