Contradiction with Matthew 5:44
Ecclesiastes 3:5 says there is a time to embrace and a time to refrain from embracing, while Matthew 5:44 instructs to love your enemies and this implies constant embrace of love, not refraining.
Matthew 5:44: But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you;
Contradiction with 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
Ecclesiastes 3:5 suggests a time to refrain from embracing, whereas 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 encourages rejoicing, praying, and giving thanks always, without mention of refraining.
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18: Rejoice evermore.
Contradiction with Hebrews 13:1
Ecclesiastes 3:5 mentions a time to refrain from embracing, but Hebrews 13:1 urges continual brotherly love, contradicting the notion of cessation.
Hebrews 13:1: Let brotherly love continue.
Contradiction with Romans 12:18
Ecclesiastes 3:5 speaks of a time to refrain from embracing, whereas Romans 12:18 emphasizes living peaceably with all men as much as possible, encouraging constant relational embrace.
Romans 12:18: If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men.
Contradiction with Luke 6:35
Ecclesiastes 3:5 addresses a time to refrain from embracing, yet Luke 6:35 urges doing good and lending, expecting nothing in return, which supports continuous acts of kindness without cessation.
Luke 6:35: But love ye your enemies, and do good, and lend, hoping for nothing again; and your reward shall be great, and ye shall be the children of the Highest: for he is kind unto the unthankful and [to] the evil.
Paradox #1
Ecclesiastes 3:5 talks about different times for various actions. A possible contradiction could be seen with teachings about consistency in love or forgiveness, where being constant is encouraged, whereas this verse suggests that there are different appropriate times for different behaviors. This might seem inconsistent with verses that encourage steadfastness in certain virtues.
Paradox #2
Ecclesiastes 3:5 talks about a time for gathering and a time for scattering stones, as well as a time for embracing and a time for not embracing. Some scholars see potential contradictions in how to interpret "a time to scatter" and "a time to gather" since the context can vary greatly, such as whether it refers to literal stones or metaphorical actions and relationships. The inconsistency might arise from different cultural and historical interpretations of what these actions signify.
Paradox #3
Ecclesiastes 3:5 mentions a time for both gathering and scattering stones, as well as embracing and refraining from embrace. The contradiction could arise from the balance between building relationships and setting boundaries. It can be difficult to determine when to engage with others and when to keep distance, which could lead to confusion about the right course of action in social interactions. This duality might seem inconsistent to those seeking clear guidance.