Contradiction with Matthew 5:48
Ecclesiastes 7:16 advises against being overly righteous, while Matthew 5:48 encourages believers to strive for perfection, as the heavenly Father is perfect.
Matthew 5:48: Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect.
Contradiction with 1 Peter 1:15-16
Being holy in all manner of conversation as God is, contrasts with the caution against excessive righteousness in Ecclesiastes.
1 Peter 1:15-16: But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation;
Contradiction with Proverbs 4:7
Emphasizes the importance of acquiring wisdom and guidance, while Ecclesiastes warns against being overly wise.
Proverbs 4:7: Wisdom [is] the principal thing; [therefore] get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding.
Contradiction with Philippians 4:8
Encourages focusing on whatever is true and virtuous, which could imply striving for extreme righteousness, opposing Ecclesiastes' advice.
Philippians 4:8: Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things [are] honest, whatsoever things [are] just, whatsoever things [are] pure, whatsoever things [are] lovely, whatsoever things [are] of good report; if [there be] any virtue, and if [there be] any praise, think on these things. [honest: or, venerable]
Contradiction with James 1:5
Recommends asking God for wisdom, which might be at odds with the warning against becoming overly wise in Ecclesiastes.
James 1:5: If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all [men] liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.
Paradox #1
Ecclesiastes 7:16 might seem to contradict other biblical teachings that encourage righteousness and wisdom. While this verse advises against being overly righteous or wise, other parts of the Bible, such as Proverbs, emphasize the importance of pursuing righteousness and wisdom. This can create tension for readers trying to understand how to balance these teachings.
Paradox #2
Ecclesiastes 7:16 seems to suggest not being overly righteous or wise, which can sound like a contradiction to other parts of the Bible that encourage righteousness and wisdom. Some may see a conflict because the Bible often promotes living a righteous and wise life. This verse might be advising against self-righteousness or trying to be wise in our own eyes, rather than contradicting the importance of true righteousness and wisdom.
Paradox #3
Ecclesiastes 7:16 advises against being overly righteous or overly wise, which might seem to contradict other parts of the Bible that encourage righteousness and wisdom, such as the Proverbs and the teachings of Jesus. This can create confusion about the balance between pursuing righteousness and exercising humility.
Paradox #4
The concept of not being overly righteous or wise could be seen as conflicting with scientific ideas that often value the pursuit of knowledge and understanding. Science generally encourages continuous learning and improvement, so the idea of limiting one's wisdom might seem inconsistent with scientific principles that prioritize the acquisition of knowledge.
Paradox #5
Ecclesiastes 7:16 advises against being overly righteous or overly wise, which might seem to conflict with other parts of the Bible that encourage pursuing righteousness and wisdom. This could create confusion about how much righteousness or wisdom one should strive for and might seem to undermine the pursuit of virtuous living.
Paradox #6
Ecclesiastes 7:16 suggests not to be overly righteous or overly wise. The potential contradiction or inconsistency could arise when comparing this advice to other parts of religious texts that often encourage the pursuit of righteousness and wisdom. It might seem conflicting because while some teachings emphasize maximizing these virtues, this verse advises moderation. This could confuse readers about how much righteousness and wisdom one should seek.