Contradiction with Matthew 6:19-20
Ecclesiastes 3:6 speaks of a time to gain and a time to lose, while Matthew advises against accumulating earthly treasures and instead focuses on heavenly gains, emphasizing spiritual over material pursuits.
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 12:33-34
Ecclesiastes acknowledges times for material gain and loss, but Luke challenges this by encouraging selling possessions for heavenly treasure, which emphasizes permanent gains over temporal.
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.
Contradiction with Proverbs 23:4-5
Ecclesiastes notes the duality of gaining and losing, but Proverbs warns against laboring to be rich as wealth can quickly diminish, emphasizing caution over material pursuits.
Proverbs 23:4-5: Labour not to be rich: cease from thine own wisdom.
Contradiction with Matthew 19:21
Ecclesiastes accepts temporal loss and gain, whereas Matthew suggests giving up material wealth for spiritual perfection, opposing the focus on earthly possession cycles.
Matthew 19:21: Jesus said unto him, If thou wilt be perfect, go [and] sell that thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come [and] follow me.
Contradiction with James 5:1-3
Ecclesiastes references seasons of acquiring and losing, yet James criticizes storing up wealth due to eventual corrosion, suggesting futility in earthly riches.
James 5:1-3: Go to now, [ye] rich men, weep and howl for your miseries that shall come upon [you].
Paradox #1
Ecclesiastes 3:6 suggests there is a time for gaining and a time for losing. The contradiction or conflict could arise when trying to reconcile the idea that it is acceptable to lose things, which might contrast with values of always striving to keep or protect what one has. This can create tension when understanding how to balance acceptance of loss with the desire for preservation and growth. Additionally, the notion of a time for losing could be seen as conflicting with teachings that emphasize perseverance and resistance against loss.