Contradiction with Job 12:10
This verse states that the life and breath of every living thing are in God's hand, implying that divine intervention can indeed allow someone to escape death's power, which contradicts Ecclesiastes 8:8's assertion that no man has power over the spirit to retain it or power in the day of death.
Job 12:10: In whose hand [is] the soul of every living thing, and the breath of all mankind. [soul: or, life] [all...: Heb. all flesh of man]
Contradiction with 2 Kings 20:5-6
Here, God extends Hezekiah's life by fifteen years, demonstrating a situation where divine intervention overcomes the inevitability of death, which contradicts Ecclesiastes 8:8's implication that no such intervention is possible.
2 Kings 20:5-6: Turn again, and tell Hezekiah the captain of my people, Thus saith the LORD, the God of David thy father, I have heard thy prayer, I have seen thy tears: behold, I will heal thee: on the third day thou shalt go up unto the house of the LORD.
Contradiction with John 11:43-44
Jesus raises Lazarus from the dead, contradicting Ecclesiastes 8:8 by showing an instance where Jesus has power over death.
John 11:43-44: And when he thus had spoken, he cried with a loud voice, Lazarus, come forth.
Contradiction with Revelation 1:18
Jesus declares that He holds the keys of hell and of death, suggesting authority over death, which contradicts the notion in Ecclesiastes 8:8 that no one has power in the day of death.
Revelation 1:18: I [am] he that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive for evermore, Amen; and have the keys of hell and of death.
Paradox #1
Ecclesiastes 8:8 suggests that no one has control over their own death or can escape from it. The scientific inconsistency here could be the implication that humans have no influence over their lifespan. In reality, scientific advancements in medicine, health, and technology have given people some control over their health and can, to some extent, impact the timing and quality of their lives. This does not contradict the inevitability of death but offers some influence over life circumstances.
Paradox #2
Ecclesiastes 8:8 suggests that no one can control the wind or predict the day of their death, highlighting human limitations. A contradiction can arise when considering other biblical passages that discuss the power of prayer and human influence on events. If humans can impact God's will through prayer in certain circumstances, it seems inconsistent with the idea of having no control over fundamental aspects of life.