Contradiction with Psalm 37:25
This verse suggests that the righteous will not be forsaken, which contrasts with the idea that the wicked may prosper temporarily in Ecclesiastes 8:13.
Psalm 37:25: I have been young, and [now] am old; yet have I not seen the righteous forsaken, nor his seed begging bread.
Contradiction with Job 21:7
Job questions why the wicked live and become old, suggesting they may prosper, opposing the sentiment of Ecclesiastes 8:13 that it will not be well with the wicked.
Job 21:7: Wherefore do the wicked live, become old, yea, are mighty in power?
Contradiction with Jeremiah 12:1
Jeremiah asks why the wicked prosper, indicating they might not be punished immediately, which seems to contradict Ecclesiastes 8:13.
Jeremiah 12:1: Righteous [art] thou, O LORD, when I plead with thee: yet let me talk with thee of [thy] judgments: Wherefore doth the way of the wicked prosper? [wherefore] are all they happy that deal very treacherously? [talk...: or, reason the case with thee]
Contradiction with Psalm 73:3-5
The psalmist observes the prosperity of the wicked, seemingly contradicting the assertion in Ecclesiastes 8:13.
Psalm 73:3-5: For I was envious at the foolish, [when] I saw the prosperity of the wicked.
Contradiction with Malachi 3:15
This verse speaks of those who do evil being set up and prospering, conflicting with the message of Ecclesiastes 8:13.
Malachi 3:15: And now we call the proud happy; yea, they that work wickedness are set up; yea, [they that] tempt God are even delivered. [are set up: Heb. are built]
Paradox #1
Ecclesiastes 8:13 presents the idea that wicked people will not prosper and their lives will not be prolonged. A potential contradiction arises when this is compared to real-life observations where sometimes wicked people do seem to live long and successful lives. Additionally, in other parts of the Bible, like in Psalms or Job, there's acknowledgment that the wicked can prosper temporarily, but ultimate justice will be served by God. This creates a tension between the immediate observations and the ultimate belief in divine justice.
Paradox #2
Ecclesiastes 8:13 discusses the fate of wicked people, saying they will not have a long or good life. The contradiction could be that in real life, some wicked people do seem to live long and prosperous lives. This might conflict with the idea that bad actions lead to bad outcomes, creating an inconsistency between what is observed and what the verse suggests.