Contradiction with Proverbs 3:5
Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding - Ecclesiastes 8:5 speaks of understanding keeping commandments, contrasting with Proverbs 3:5 which advises against relying on one's own understanding.
Proverbs 3:5: Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.
Contradiction with Romans 3:10
As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one - Ecclesiastes 8:5 implies that one who keeps the commandment is wise and discerning, while Romans 3:10 states that no one is righteous.
Romans 3:10: As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one:
Contradiction with Isaiah 64:6
But we are all as an unclean thing, and all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags - Ecclesiastes 8:5 suggests understanding in keeping commandments benefits, contradicted by Isaiah which implies human righteousness is inadequate.
Isaiah 64:6: But we are all as an unclean [thing], and all our righteousnesses [are] as filthy rags; and we all do fade as a leaf; and our iniquities, like the wind, have taken us away.
Contradiction with Jeremiah 17:9
The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it? - Ecclesiastes 8:5 assumes wisdom in keeping commandments while Jeremiah points out the deceitfulness of the heart, suggesting understanding can be flawed.
Jeremiah 17:9: The heart [is] deceitful above all [things], and desperately wicked: who can know it?
Paradox #1
The contradiction in Ecclesiastes 8:5 might be related to the concept of obeying authority, which can conflict with personal morals or beliefs. This can raise questions about whether it is always right to follow orders or laws, especially if they go against one's own sense of right and wrong. Some people might see a conflict between following authority and following personal or spiritual convictions.