Contradiction with Romans 13:1
Ecclesiastes 8:3 suggests not to be hasty in leaving the king's presence, implying caution in disobedience, while Romans 13:1 emphasizes submission to governing authorities.
Romans 13:1: Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God. [ordained: or, ordered]
Contradiction with Acts 5:29
Ecclesiastes 8:3 advises caution in the presence of a ruler, whereas Acts 5:29 prioritizes obedience to God over human authority.
Acts 5:29: Then Peter and the [other] apostles answered and said, We ought to obey God rather than men.
Contradiction with 1 Samuel 12:14
Ecclesiastes 8:3 advises cautious respect towards the king, but 1 Samuel 12:14 places the fear of God as a priority over the king's command.
1 Samuel 12:14: If ye will fear the LORD, and serve him, and obey his voice, and not rebel against the commandment of the LORD, then shall both ye and also the king that reigneth over you continue following the LORD your God: [commandment: Heb. mouth] [continue...: Heb. be after]
Contradiction with Daniel 3:18
Ecclesiastes 8:3 implies the importance of obeying a king's command, but Daniel 3:18 shows defiance against the king for religious reasons.
Daniel 3:18: But if not, be it known unto thee, O king, that we will not serve thy gods, nor worship the golden image which thou hast set up.
Contradiction with Exodus 1:17
Ecclesiastes 8:3 suggests not to act against a king hastily, yet Exodus 1:17 demonstrates disobedience to a king due to moral conviction.
Exodus 1:17: But the midwives feared God, and did not as the king of Egypt commanded them, but saved the men children alive.
Contradiction with Matthew 10:28
Ecclesiastes 8:3 emphasizes deference to the king, while Matthew 10:28 encourages fearing God rather than humans, including earthly kings.
Matthew 10:28: And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.
Contradiction with Mark 3:6
Ecclesiastes 8:3 promotes prudence in the king’s presence, but Mark 3:6 depicts plotting against a ruler's authority, demonstrating lack of adherence to Ecclesiastes 8:3 advice.
Mark 3:6: And the Pharisees went forth, and straightway took counsel with the Herodians against him, how they might destroy him.
Paradox #1
The verse advises not to rush out of a ruler's presence or insist on your own way, which might seem inconsistent with other teachings that encourage speaking truth to power or standing firm in one's beliefs. This could be seen as a conflict between advocating for submission to authority and standing up for justice or one's principles. However, the context of each teaching is important to fully understand these differences.
Paradox #2
Ecclesiastes 8:3 advises obedience and not rushing into decisions, especially concerning authority. The contradiction or conflict could arise when considering situations where authority is unjust or harmful. Following this advice might conflict with personal morals or justice, leading to a dilemma between obedience and standing against wrongdoing.