Contradiction with Psalm 37:9
This verse emphasizes that evildoers shall be cut off, implying a different outcome than seen in Ecclesiastes 8:12, which suggests that it could be well with those who fear God in spite of sinners prospering.
Psalm 37:9: For evildoers shall be cut off: but those that wait upon the LORD, they shall inherit the earth.
Contradiction with Proverbs 11:21
Here, the verse indicates that though hand join in hand, the wicked shall not be unpunished, contrasting with the notion that it might be well with the wicked found in Ecclesiastes 8:12.
Proverbs 11:21: [Though] hand [join] in hand, the wicked shall not be unpunished: but the seed of the righteous shall be delivered.
Contradiction with Isaiah 3:11
This verse states that it will be ill with the wicked, for they shall be rewarded according to their deeds, contradicting the suggestion that things may go well for them as mentioned in Ecclesiastes 8:12.
Isaiah 3:11: Woe unto the wicked! [it shall be] ill [with him]: for the reward of his hands shall be given him. [given...: Heb. done to him]
Contradiction with Psalm 73:17-18
In these verses, it reveals that the prosperity of the wicked is temporary and they will ultimately face destruction, opposing the idea of a lasting well-being for them suggested in Ecclesiastes 8:12.
Psalm 73:17-18: Until I went into the sanctuary of God; [then] understood I their end.
Contradiction with Proverbs 13:21
This verse suggests that evil pursues sinners, opposing the potential positive outcomes for the wicked in Ecclesiastes 8:12.
Proverbs 13:21: Evil pursueth sinners: but to the righteous good shall be repayed.
Contradiction with Romans 6:23
The verse states that the wages of sin is death, which contradicts the notion of a potentially good outcome for evildoers as seen in Ecclesiastes 8:12.
Romans 6:23: For the wages of sin [is] death; but the gift of God [is] eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Paradox #1
Ecclesiastes 8:12 suggests that those who fear God will ultimately be well off, even if sinners appear to prosper for a time. A perceived inconsistency arises when comparing this with other parts of the Bible that depict righteous people suffering or wicked people thriving, such as in the Book of Job. The challenge is in reconciling the immediate experiences of injustice and suffering in the world with the ultimate promise of divine justice.
Paradox #2
Ecclesiastes 8:12 suggests that even though a sinner does evil, things will go well for those who fear God. This might seem to contradict the observation made earlier in Ecclesiastes that sometimes the wicked prosper and the righteous suffer. This conflict creates tension between the belief in divine justice and the reality of life's apparent injustices.
Paradox #3
The verse talks about a seeming contradiction between the prosperity of wicked people and the eventual reward for righteous behavior. Historically, this could conflict with the belief that moral and good actions should lead to immediate or obvious blessings, while wrong actions should result in immediate consequences. This creates tension between observed realities and the expected justice described in religious teachings.
Paradox #4
Ecclesiastes 8:12 discusses the idea that those who fear God will ultimately fare better despite ongoing injustices. A contradiction could arise because this notion is based on moral and spiritual beliefs, which cannot be tested or proven by scientific methods or evidence. Science relies on observable and measurable phenomena, while this verse addresses metaphysical and ethical issues that are outside the realm of scientific inquiry. Therefore, science cannot confirm or deny the spiritual implications of the passage.
Paradox #5
Ecclesiastes 8:12 suggests that even though a sinner does evil many times, it will still be well with those who fear God. The contradiction here could be the idea that people who do wrong seem to prosper while those who are good suffer, which can seem unfair and inconsistent with the notion of moral justice. This creates a conflict between the apparent lack of consequences for wrongdoing and the expectation that good should be rewarded.