Contradiction with Matthew 11:28
This verse offers rest to those who are weary and burdened, which contrasts with the toil and travail mentioned in Ecclesiastes 2:23.
Matthew 11:28: Come unto me, all [ye] that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.
Contradiction with Psalm 127:2
Highlights that God gives rest to His beloved, contrasting the description of endless labor and unrest in Ecclesiastes 2:23.
Psalm 127:2: [It is] vain for you to rise up early, to sit up late, to eat the bread of sorrows: [for] so he giveth his beloved sleep.
Contradiction with Matthew 6:31-32
Suggests that worry about daily needs is unnecessary because God provides, contradicting the sense of ongoing labor and worry in Ecclesiastes 2:23.
Matthew 6:31-32: Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed?
Contradiction with Philippians 4:6-7
Advises believers not to be anxious and instead receive peace from God, contrasting with the vexation and sorrow in Ecclesiastes 2:23.
Philippians 4:6-7: Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.
Contradiction with Isaiah 40:31
Promises renewed strength and endurance to those who hope in the Lord, contradicting the concept of perpetual weariness in Ecclesiastes 2:23.
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 2:23 talks about the struggles and burdens people experience in their daily work, leading to feelings of frustration and restlessness. A potential doctrinal conflict could be with teachings that emphasize joy and satisfaction in work as a blessing from God. If one part of the Bible suggests work is fulfilling and another highlights it as burdensome, this can seem inconsistent. However, these differing perspectives might reflect the complexity of human experiences rather than a direct contradiction.
Paradox #2
Ecclesiastes 2:23 discusses human toil and the burden it places on people, often leading to pain and restlessness. A contradiction or conflict may arise when considering the biblical concept that hard work is often viewed as virtuous, yet this verse highlights the negative aspects of that labor. This tension between the value of hard work and the personal suffering it may cause presents a potential inconsistency in understanding the purpose and reward of human effort.