Contradiction with Proverbs 13:22
This verse suggests that a good person leaves an inheritance to their children, which implies that they should care about who inherits their labor.
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
Jesus advises storing treasures in heaven rather than on earth, suggesting that heavenly investments matter more than earthly labor, contrasting with the concern over successors in Ecclesiastes 2:19.
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 Luke 12:16-21
The parable of the rich fool highlights that accumulating wealth for oneself without considering God's will is foolish, in contrast to worrying about who will inherit one's labor.
Luke 12:16-21: And he spake a parable unto them, saying, The ground of a certain rich man brought forth plentifully:
Contradiction with 1 Timothy 6:7
This verse states that we bring nothing into the world and take nothing out, implying that the outcome of earthly labor is not of ultimate significance, contrary to the concern in Ecclesiastes 2:19.
1 Timothy 6:7: For we brought nothing into [this] world, [and it is] certain we can carry nothing out.
Contradiction with James 4:14
This verse compares life to a vapor, suggesting its fleeting nature, contrasting with the lasting concern over the fruit of one's labor as seen in Ecclesiastes 2:19.
James 4:14: Whereas ye know not what [shall be] on the morrow. For what [is] your life? It is even a vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away. [It...: or, For it is]
Paradox #1
Ecclesiastes 2:19 might present a theological inconsistency because it reflects a sense of despair and questioning about the fairness of life and the value of human efforts. This can seem to contradict other biblical teachings that emphasize the order and justice of God's plan. The verse suggests uncertainty about who will benefit from one's work after they are gone, which might conflict with the belief in a divinely ordained purpose and reward.
Paradox #2
The potential contradiction with Ecclesiastes 2:19 is about the idea of hard work and its rewards. This verse suggests concern over working hard and then leaving everything to someone who might not appreciate it or use it wisely. This can seem inconsistent with other Biblical teachings that value hard work and trusting in God's plan for the outcomes. The apparent conflict arises between valuing hard work and trusting in God's providence versus the futility of leaving results to others, who may not carry forward those efforts wisely.
Paradox #3
Ecclesiastes 2:19 discusses the uncertainty of leaving one's work to someone else after death and not knowing if they will manage it wisely or foolishly. A possible inconsistency could be with other biblical teachings that emphasize trust in God's plan. This verse reflects a more skeptical and uncertain human perspective, contrasting with other parts of the Bible that encourage faith and assurance in divine providence.
Paradox #4
Ecclesiastes 2:19 raises the concern that even though someone works hard and gains wisdom, knowledge, and skill, everything they achieve can be left to a person who didn't work for it. This could seem unfair or troubling because it questions the purpose and justice of hard work if the results ultimately go to someone who may not appreciate or deserve it. This might contradict the idea that hard work and wisdom are always rewarded justly.