Contradiction with Proverbs 15:13
This verse states that a merry heart makes a cheerful countenance, suggesting the opposite of Ecclesiastes 7:3, which claims sorrow is better than laughter.
Proverbs 15:13: A merry heart maketh a cheerful countenance: but by sorrow of the heart the spirit is broken.
Contradiction with Proverbs 17:22
This verse claims that a merry heart is good medicine, while Ecclesiastes 7:3 promotes sorrow over laughter.
Proverbs 17:22: A merry heart doeth good [like] a medicine: but a broken spirit drieth the bones. [like: or, to]
Contradiction with Philippians 4:4
This verse encourages believers to rejoice always, contrasting with Ecclesiastes 7:3, which values sorrow over joy.
Philippians 4:4: Rejoice in the Lord alway: [and] again I say, Rejoice.
Contradiction with Psalm 126:5
This verse explains that those who sow in tears will reap in joy, presenting a future of happiness rather than the immediate value of sorrow as suggested in Ecclesiastes 7:3.
Psalm 126:5: They that sow in tears shall reap in joy. [joy: or, singing]
Paradox #1
Ecclesiastes 7:3 suggests that sadness can lead to a better heart, which seems to contradict the general biblical message promoting joy and rejoicing, like in Philippians 4:4, which encourages believers to rejoice always. This could be seen as a contradiction because one verse emphasizes the benefits of sorrow while the other emphasizes continual joy.
Paradox #2
The verse suggests that sadness can lead to a better heart, emphasizing the value of sorrow. However, this can conflict with other teachings in the Bible that focus on joy and happiness as positive spiritual states. The contradiction lies in valuing something typically considered negative and how to reconcile that with the broader encouragement for joyfulness.