Contradiction with 1 Corinthians 15:58
Ecclesiastes 1:3 questions the value of human labor under the sun, whereas 1 Corinthians 15:58 encourages steadfastness and assures believers that their labor in the Lord is not in vain.
1 Corinthians 15:58: Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord.
Contradiction with Proverbs 16:3
Ecclesiastes 1:3 implies labor yields no profit, while Proverbs 16:3 suggests that committing work to the Lord leads to established plans, indicating value and purpose in labor.
Proverbs 16:3: Commit thy works unto the LORD, and thy thoughts shall be established. [Commit: Heb. Roll]
Contradiction with Colossians 3:23-24
Ecclesiastes 1:3 questions the profit of labor, yet Colossians 3:23-24 instructs to work heartily for the Lord, promising a reward, thus affirming the significance of labor.
Colossians 3:23-24: And whatsoever ye do, do [it] heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men;
Contradiction with Psalm 128:2
While Ecclesiastes 1:3 questions the profit of labor, Psalm 128:2 assures that those who labor will eat the fruits of their labor and be happy, highlighting a positive outcome.
Psalm 128:2: For thou shalt eat the labour of thine hands: happy [shalt] thou [be], and [it shall be] well with thee.
Contradiction with Matthew 11:28
This verse offers rest to the laborer in contrast to the futility suggested in Ecclesiastes 1:3, implying that labor is not burdensome when aligned with divine rest and purpose.
Matthew 11:28: Come unto me, all [ye] that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.
Paradox #1
Ecclesiastes 1:3 raises a question about the purpose and value of human labor, which can seem to contradict other biblical teachings that emphasize the importance and positive outcomes of work. In some parts of the Bible, work is seen as a way to serve God and others, bringing about fulfillment and reward. This might appear inconsistent with the more skeptical view in Ecclesiastes about the ultimate gain from human toil.
Paradox #2
Ecclesiastes 1:3 discusses the idea of toil and what is gained from it. The potential contradiction might be with scriptures that emphasize the value and rewards of hard work and diligence, such as Proverbs 14:23 or Colossians 3:23-24, which suggest that work can lead to fruitful results and rewards. Ecclesiastes explores the theme of life's ultimate meaninglessness without acknowledging a final reward, while other scriptures highlight the positive aspects and spiritual fulfillment that can come from diligent work.
Paradox #3
The potential contradiction or inconsistency could relate to the idea of life's purpose and effort. The verse suggests questioning the value of human labor, which might conflict with other biblical teachings that emphasize the importance and rewards of hard work and diligence. Such differing views can create tension in interpreting the overall message about the significance of human effort and purpose in life.