Contradiction with Luke 6:25
This verse warns those who are full and laugh now, indicating future lack or sorrow, which contrasts with enjoying one's labor.
Luke 6:25: Woe unto you that are full! for ye shall hunger. Woe unto you that laugh now! for ye shall mourn and weep.
Contradiction with James 4:9
This verse encourages turning laughter into mourning, opposing the notion of joy in labor's rewards.
James 4:9: Be afflicted, and mourn, and weep: let your laughter be turned to mourning, and [your] joy to heaviness.
Contradiction with 1 John 2:15
Advises not loving worldly things, while Ecclesiastes 3:13 suggests a form of worldly enjoyment.
1 John 2:15: Love not the world, neither the things [that are] in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him.
Contradiction with Matthew 6:19
Advises against laying up treasures on earth, contrary to finding joy in earthly labors.
Matthew 6:19: Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal:
Contradiction with 1 Corinthians 7:31
Reminds that the world in its present form is passing away, contrasting with finding lasting joy in labor.
1 Corinthians 7:31: And they that use this world, as not abusing [it]: for the fashion of this world passeth away.
Paradox #1
Ecclesiastes 3:13 suggests that enjoying the good things in life, like food and drink, is a gift from God. Some might see this as conflicting with other parts of the Bible that emphasize self-denial or warn against worldly pleasures. This might seem inconsistent because one part of the Bible encourages enjoyment of life, while others warn against focusing too much on earthly pleasures.