Contradiction with Psalm 128:2
This verse states that one will eat the labor of their hands and be happy, suggesting a positive outcome from toil, contrasting with the futility suggested in Ecclesiastes 2:22.
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 Proverbs 14:23
Emphasizes that labor leads to profit, contrasting with Ecclesiastes 2:22 which questions the benefit from toil.
Proverbs 14:23: In all labour there is profit: but the talk of the lips [tendeth] only to penury.
Contradiction with 1 Corinthians 15:58
Encourages believers that their labor in the Lord is not in vain, while Ecclesiastes 2:22 questions what one truly gains from their toil.
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 Colossians 3:23-24
Encourages working heartily as for the Lord, with a promise of reward, in contrast to Ecclesiastes 2:22's questioning of profit from toil.
Colossians 3:23-24: And whatsoever ye do, do [it] heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men;
Contradiction with Galatians 6:9
Encourages not growing weary in doing good as there will be a harvest, which contrasts with the perceived futility in Ecclesiastes 2:22.
Galatians 6:9: And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.
Paradox #1
The potential contradiction with Ecclesiastes 2:22 could arise from the idea that human effort and wisdom are ultimately meaningless, while other parts of the Bible emphasize the value and importance of work and wisdom in fulfilling God’s purpose. This might seem inconsistent as it questions the worth of striving in life, while elsewhere, such efforts are encouraged and seen as part of a divine plan.
Paradox #2
Ecclesiastes 2:22 talks about the frustration and pointlessness of working hard when it might not bring lasting happiness or fulfillment. A possible contradiction is with verses that encourage hard work, like Proverbs, which often say hard work brings reward and is favored by God. This creates a tension between finding life’s efforts meaningless and believing hard work is valuable and rewarding.
Paradox #3
Ecclesiastes 2:22 questions the value of hard work and labor, suggesting that all efforts and achievements could be meaningless in the end. The contradiction could be that while many parts of the Bible emphasize the importance of diligence and hard work as virtues, this verse raises doubts about their ultimate purpose, creating a potential conflict with the broader message.