Contradictions and Paradoxes in Ecclesiastes 4:14

Check out Contradictions Catalog of Ecclesiastes 4:14 for the comprehensive list of verses that contradicts Ecclesiastes 4:14. Some key contradictions and paradoxes are described below.

According to the author of Ecclesiastes, sometimes a person who starts in a tough spot, like being in jail, can become really important, like a king. But even someone born into a rich family can end up with nothing if things go wrong.

Ecclesiastes 4:14: For out of prison he cometh to reign; whereas also [he that is] born in his kingdom becometh poor.

Contradiction with 1 Samuel 2:7-8

These verses explain that God is the one who makes poor and rich, and can raise the poor from the dust, which contrasts with the idea of moving from prison to prominence in Ecclesiastes 4:14 as solely a human endeavor.

1 Samuel 2:7-8: The LORD maketh poor, and maketh rich: he bringeth low, and lifteth up.

Contradiction with Proverbs 22:2

This verse emphasizes that the rich and poor meet together and that the Lord is the maker of them all, suggesting divine control over life situations, differing from the human-centric rise described in Ecclesiastes 4:14.

Proverbs 22:2: The rich and poor meet together: the LORD [is] the maker of them all.

Contradiction with James 2:5

This verse suggests that God has chosen the poor of this world to be rich in faith and heirs of the kingdom, contrasting with Ecclesiastes 4:14, which focuses on social and material advancement.

James 2:5: Hearken, my beloved brethren, Hath not God chosen the poor of this world rich in faith, and heirs of the kingdom which he hath promised to them that love him? [of the: or, of that]

Contradiction with Matthew 6:19-21

These verses advise storing treasures in heaven rather than on earth, presenting an eternal perspective that conflicts with Ecclesiastes 4:14’s focus on earthly advancement.

Matthew 6:19-21: Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal:

Contradiction with Luke 1:52

This verse discusses God putting down the mighty and exalting those of low degree, attributing changes in status to divine action rather than human or circumstantial effort as implied in Ecclesiastes 4:14.

Luke 1:52: He hath put down the mighty from [their] seats, and exalted them of low degree.

Paradox #1

Moral Contradiction: The verse talks about a poor but wise youth rising to power, which could contrast with other biblical themes that emphasize the importance of wisdom and character over status or power. The contradiction might arise if this message seems to conflict with other passages promoting humility and the dangers of seeking power or material success.

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