Contradiction with Matthew 11:28-30
Contradicts Ecclesiastes 1:13 by offering rest and ease in learning from Jesus, contrasting the perceived burdensome labor of seeking wisdom.
Matthew 11:28-30: Come unto me, all [ye] that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.
Contradiction with James 1:5
Contradicts by stating that God gives wisdom generously without finding fault, suggesting ease in obtaining understanding, unlike the "sore travail" in Ecclesiastes.
James 1:5: If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all [men] liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.
Contradiction with Proverbs 2:6
God gives wisdom, contradicting the difficulty implied in Ecclesiastes 1:13 by highlighting divine provision of knowledge.
Proverbs 2:6: For the LORD giveth wisdom: out of his mouth [cometh] knowledge and understanding.
Contradiction with Proverbs 3:5-6
Encourages trust in the Lord for guidance, which contrasts with the individual pursuit of wisdom as a grievous task in Ecclesiastes.
Proverbs 3:5-6: Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.
Contradiction with 1 Corinthians 2:12
Suggests receiving wisdom through the Holy Spirit, contrasting the arduous search described in Ecclesiastes 1:13.
1 Corinthians 2:12: Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God.
Contradiction with Isaiah 40:31
Indicates renewal and strength from God for those who wait on Him, contradicting the weariness associated with seeking wisdom in Ecclesiastes.
Isaiah 40:31: But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew [their] strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; [and] they shall walk, and not faint. [renew: Heb. change]
Paradox #1
Ecclesiastes 1:13 discusses the pursuit of wisdom and the burdens that come with it. A possible contradiction could be with verses that suggest the pursuit of wisdom is purely positive and encouraged. While Ecclesiastes speaks of wisdom as a burden, other parts of the Bible, like Proverbs, frequently highlight wisdom as a path to happiness and a gift from God. This could seem inconsistent if interpreted as the Bible having conflicting views on the value or consequences of seeking wisdom.
Paradox #2
Ecclesiastes 1:13 speaks of the pursuit of wisdom and knowledge as a heavy burden given by God to humans. Some people see a contradiction between this verse and other parts of the Bible that encourage seeking wisdom, indicating that wisdom is valuable and brings understanding and peace. The tension lies in the way Ecclesiastes seems to portray the quest for knowledge as troublesome, while other passages might suggest it's rewarding.
Paradox #3
Ecclesiastes 1:13 talks about the pursuit of wisdom and knowledge as a burdensome task given by God, which might seem contradictory when compared to other parts of the Bible that encourage seeking wisdom and understanding, such as in Proverbs. This creates an inconsistency between seeing wisdom as burdensome and seeing it as valuable and beneficial.