Contradiction with Proverbs 3:5
Job 12:7 suggests learning from nature, while Proverbs 3:5 emphasizes trusting in God and not 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 Jeremiah 17:9
Job 12:7 implies that nature can impart wisdom, whereas Jeremiah 17:9 argues that the heart is deceitful and unknowable, suggesting limits to understanding through nature alone.
Jeremiah 17:9: The heart [is] deceitful above all [things], and desperately wicked: who can know it?
Contradiction with 1 Corinthians 2:14
Job 12:7 suggests that animals and nature have wisdom to teach, but 1 Corinthians 2:14 indicates that spiritual truths are discerned spiritually, not naturally.
1 Corinthians 2:14: But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know [them], because they are spiritually discerned.
Contradiction with 1 Corinthians 1:20
Job 12:7 highlights the wisdom found in nature, while 1 Corinthians 1:20 questions the validity of worldly wisdom.
1 Corinthians 1:20: Where [is] the wise? where [is] the scribe? where [is] the disputer of this world? hath not God made foolish the wisdom of this world?
Contradiction with Isaiah 55:9
Job 12:7 implies understanding can come from earthly sources, but Isaiah 55:9 emphasizes God's thoughts and ways are higher than human understanding, including nature.
Isaiah 55:9: For [as] the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts.
Paradox #1
The potential contradiction in Job 12:7 could be about interpreting nature as a source of wisdom. Some see inconsistency in claiming animals and nature can "teach" profound truths, as other parts of the Bible emphasize wisdom coming primarily from God or scripture. This raises questions about the role of natural observation versus divine revelation.
Paradox #2
Job 12:7 suggests that animals and nature can teach us. A possible contradiction is that, while many people believe humans have dominion over animals and should use them for their benefit, this verse implies we should also learn from them, valuing their wisdom and understanding. This could conflict with the notion of human superiority over nature.