Contradictions and Paradoxes in Ecclesiastes 4:6

Check out Contradictions Catalog of Ecclesiastes 4:6 for the comprehensive list of verses that contradicts Ecclesiastes 4:6. Some key contradictions and paradoxes are described below.

According to Solomon, it's better to have a little and be happy and peaceful than to have a lot and be worried and stressed. It's like having one toy you really love instead of many toys that make you unhappy.

Ecclesiastes 4:6: Better [is] an handful [with] quietness, than both the hands full [with] travail and vexation of spirit.

Contradiction with Proverbs 12:24

Ecclesiastes 4:6 advocates for contentment with less toil, whereas Proverbs 12:24 suggests that diligent labor leads to power and dominion.

Proverbs 12:24: The hand of the diligent shall bear rule: but the slothful shall be under tribute. [slothful: or, deceitful]

Contradiction with Proverbs 10:4

Ecclesiastes 4:6 suggests seeking rest over labor, while Proverbs 10:4 notes the diligent become rich, opposing the view of favoring tranquility over work.

Proverbs 10:4: He becometh poor that dealeth [with] a slack hand: but the hand of the diligent maketh rich.

Contradiction with Proverbs 21:5

Contrasts with Ecclesiastes 4:6 by indicating that diligent planning leads to abundance, rather than valuing rest over labor.

Proverbs 21:5: The thoughts of the diligent [tend] only to plenteousness; but of every one [that is] hasty only to want.

Contradiction with Proverbs 13:4

Ecclesiastes 4:6 promotes relaxed contentment, whereas Proverbs 13:4 states the diligent soul will be made rich, opposing the idea of taking rest over hard work.

Proverbs 13:4: The soul of the sluggard desireth, and [hath] nothing: but the soul of the diligent shall be made fat.

Paradox #1

The potential contradiction in Ecclesiastes 4:6 could relate to the differing views in the Bible about work and contentment. This verse suggests that it's better to have a little with peace than a lot with stress. In contrast, other Bible passages emphasize hard work and diligence. The conflict lies in balancing the value of hard work with the value of contentment and rest.

Paradox #2

Ecclesiastes 4:6 suggests that having a little with peace is better than having a lot with stress. The potential contradiction here could be the tension between striving for success and finding contentment. On one hand, society often rewards hard work and accumulation of wealth, but on the other hand, this verse promotes the idea that it's better to have less if it means being at peace. This can create a conflict for individuals trying to balance ambition with happiness.

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