Contradiction with Isaiah 45:9
This verse questions those who argue against God’s creation, implying a challenge to accepting God’s work as it is, in contrast to Ecclesiastes 7:13 which emphasizes accepting God’s work as unchangeable.
Isaiah 45:9: Woe unto him that striveth with his Maker! [Let] the potsherd [strive] with the potsherds of the earth. Shall the clay say to him that fashioneth it, What makest thou? or thy work, He hath no hands?
Contradiction with Jeremiah 18:8
Here, God speaks of changing His intended action based on human behavior, suggesting a mutability in God's decisions, opposing the fixed nature of God's work described in Ecclesiastes 7:13.
Jeremiah 18:8: If that nation, against whom I have pronounced, turn from their evil, I will repent of the evil that I thought to do unto them.
Contradiction with Genesis 18:25
Abraham appeals to God’s justice, implying human intervention can influence God’s actions, challenging the notion of the immutability of God’s work in Ecclesiastes 7:13.
Genesis 18:25: That be far from thee to do after this manner, to slay the righteous with the wicked: and that the righteous should be as the wicked, that be far from thee: Shall not the Judge of all the earth do right?
Contradiction with Jonah 3:10
God changes His mind about the destruction of Nineveh, showing His work can be altered, which stands contrary to the notion in Ecclesiastes 7:13.
Jonah 3:10: And God saw their works, that they turned from their evil way; and God repented of the evil, that he had said that he would do unto them; and he did [it] not.
Contradiction with Matthew 19:26
This indicates that with God, all things are possible, including changes, countering the idea of unchangeable works of God in Ecclesiastes 7:13.
Matthew 19:26: But Jesus beheld [them], and said unto them, With men this is impossible; but with God all things are possible.
Paradox #1
Ecclesiastes 7:13 speaks about the unchangeable nature of God's work. A potential contradiction or conflict might arise when considering other biblical passages that discuss free will, human agency, or God's willingness to change His mind in response to human actions or prayers. This could create an inconsistency in understanding how God's immutable nature interacts with human influence.
Paradox #2
Ecclesiastes 7:13 talks about accepting the way things are because they are part of God's design. A possible contradiction or conflict is that this idea clashes with other parts of the Bible that encourage people to change their circumstances or fight against injustices, like the teachings of the prophets or the actions of Jesus.
Paradox #3
The verse suggests that what God has made cannot be changed by humans. A possible contradiction with science is that science shows humans constantly modifying and controlling nature through technology and scientific advancements. For instance, medical interventions can change natural outcomes, and environmental engineering can alter landscapes. Thus, science often demonstrates human ability to reshape and influence the natural world.
Paradox #4
The potential contradiction in Ecclesiastes 7:13 could be that it suggests accepting everything as it is, implying a passive stance, which might conflict with the idea of actively trying to change or improve one's circumstances or the world. This could seem inconsistent with other parts of the Bible that encourage action and transformation.