Contradiction with Proverbs 13:22
This verse states that a good man leaves an inheritance to his children's children, which contradicts Ecclesiastes 2:18 where the speaker expresses frustration about leaving what they have worked for to others.
Proverbs 13:22: A good [man] leaveth an inheritance to his children's children: and the wealth of the sinner [is] laid up for the just.
Contradiction with Matthew 6:19-20
These verses advise storing treasures in heaven rather than on earth, which contrasts with the concern in Ecclesiastes 2:18 about who will inherit earthly labor.
Matthew 6:19-20: Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal:
Contradiction with 1 Timothy 6:7
This verse emphasizes that we bring nothing into this world and can take nothing out, challenging the concern in Ecclesiastes 2:18 over leaving the fruits of labor to others.
1 Timothy 6:7: For we brought nothing into [this] world, [and it is] certain we can carry nothing out.
Contradiction with Colossians 3:23-24
These verses encourage working heartily as serving the Lord instead of focusing on who will inherit the labor, which contrasts with the sentiment in Ecclesiastes 2:18.
Colossians 3:23-24: And whatsoever ye do, do [it] heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men;
Contradiction with Luke 12:33-34
This passage advises selling possessions and giving to the needy, which contradicts the worry in Ecclesiastes 2:18 about who will benefit from one's labor.
Luke 12:33-34: Sell that ye have, and give alms; provide yourselves bags which wax not old, a treasure in the heavens that faileth not, where no thief approacheth, neither moth corrupteth.
Paradox #1
Ecclesiastes 2:18 talks about the frustration of working hard only to leave the results to someone else. One possible contradiction is with other biblical teachings that emphasize the value of work and the importance of leaving a legacy or inheritance for future generations. Throughout the Bible, work is often seen as a blessing and something to be proud of, while this verse reflects a sense of futility in labor. These differing views can seem inconsistent.
Paradox #2
This verse talks about the frustration of working hard, only to leave the fruits of your labor to someone else. The possible contradiction or conflict might be with other biblical teachings that emphasize the rewards of hard work. While Ecclesiastes reflects on the futility of toil, books like Proverbs often highlight its positive outcomes, creating a tension between the two perspectives.
Paradox #3
Ecclesiastes 2:18 discusses the frustration of working hard and realizing that everything achieved might be left to someone who didn't work for it. The moral conflict here could be the tension between the value of hard work and the perceived unfairness of wealth or achievements being passed on to others who may not appreciate or deserve them. This can contradict the idea that hard work always leads to personal fulfillment or justice.