Contradiction with Romans 13:1
This verse contradicts Ecclesiastes 8:9 by emphasizing submission to governing authorities as ordained by God, whereas Ecclesiastes 8:9 discusses the oppressive use of authority by man over man.
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 1 Peter 2:13-14
This contradicts Ecclesiastes 8:9 by urging submission to every human institution for the Lord's sake, in contrast to the oppressive nature of authority mentioned in Ecclesiastes.
1 Peter 2:13-14: Submit yourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord's sake: whether it be to the king, as supreme;
Contradiction with Proverbs 29:2
This verse contradicts Ecclesiastes 8:9 by suggesting that righteous rule leads to rejoicing, contrary to the theme of oppression by rulers underlined in Ecclesiastes.
Proverbs 29:2: When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice: but when the wicked beareth rule, the people mourn. [in...: or, increased]
Contradiction with Isaiah 9:7
This contradicts Ecclesiastes 8:9 by depicting a vision of peace and just governance through God’s authority, opposing the notion of oppressive human authority in Ecclesiastes.
Isaiah 9:7: Of the increase of [his] government and peace [there shall be] no end, upon the throne of David, and upon his kingdom, to order it, and to establish it with judgment and with justice from henceforth even for ever. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will perform this.
Contradiction with Matthew 5:5
This contradicts Ecclesiastes 8:9 by emphasizing meekness and the blessing of inheriting the earth, contrasting with the power-driven oppression described in Ecclesiastes.
Matthew 5:5: Blessed [are] the meek: for they shall inherit the earth.
Paradox #1
One possible contradiction is the idea of authority and power. Some parts of the Bible emphasize that God is the ultimate authority and that leaders should act justly and in line with God's will. However, Ecclesiastes 8:9 suggests that human authority can lead to people harming others, which might seem at odds with the idea of leaders reflecting God's justice.
Paradox #2
This verse talks about how people often have power over others to their harm. The moral conflict here could be that having power should ideally be used for good, not for hurting others. It highlights the inconsistency between the ideal use of power (helping others) and the reality (often harming others).