Contradiction with Matthew 5:37
This verse emphasizes simplicity and honesty in communication, suggesting that elaborate vows are unnecessary, whereas Ecclesiastes 5:4 emphasizes the importance of fulfilling vows made to God.
Matthew 5:37: But let your communication be, Yea, yea; Nay, nay: for whatsoever is more than these cometh of evil.
Contradiction with James 5:12
Advises against swearing oaths altogether and promotes straightforward speech, which contrasts with Ecclesiastes 5:4, where making and fulfilling vows is seen as a duty.
James 5:12: But above all things, my brethren, swear not, neither by heaven, neither by the earth, neither by any other oath: but let your yea be yea; and [your] nay, nay; lest ye fall into condemnation.
Contradiction with Numbers 30:2
Stresses the importance of fulfilling vows, yet implies a contradiction to Ecclesiastes 5:4 by allowing the annulment of certain vows, suggesting they can remain unfulfilled.
Numbers 30:2: If a man vow a vow unto the LORD, or swear an oath to bind his soul with a bond; he shall not break his word, he shall do according to all that proceedeth out of his mouth. [break: Heb. profane]
Contradiction with Matthew 6:7
Encourages avoiding vain repetitions or complicated prayers to avoid making unnecessary vows, contrasting with the view in Ecclesiastes 5:4 that stresses completing vows once made.
Matthew 6:7: But when ye pray, use not vain repetitions, as the heathen [do]: for they think that they shall be heard for their much speaking.
Paradox #1
Ecclesiastes 5:4 might seem to conflict with the idea of grace found in the New Testament. It emphasizes fulfilling vows to God, which could appear to contradict the concept that faith and grace, rather than works or fulfilling vows, are central to a relationship with God.
Paradox #2
Ecclesiastes 5:4 advises keeping promises made to God, emphasizing the importance of fulfilling vows. A potential doctrinal conflict arises when considering verses such as Matthew 5:34-37, where Jesus advises against making oaths at all, suggesting that one's word should suffice. This can seem contradictory, as one passage encourages making and fulfilling vows, while the other discourages making them altogether.
Paradox #3
Ecclesiastes 5:4 talks about the importance of keeping promises to God. A possible moral conflict is that some might view this strictly, suggesting that any failure to fulfill a vow is severely wrong, which could be in tension with other teachings about forgiveness and grace. This could create a conflict between the importance of keeping promises and the understanding that humans are imperfect and prone to mistakes.