Contradictions and Paradoxes in Ecclesiastes 5:12

Check out Contradictions Catalog of Ecclesiastes 5:12 for the comprehensive list of verses that contradicts Ecclesiastes 5:12. Some key contradictions and paradoxes are described below.

According to Solomon, people who work hard sleep well and feel good, no matter how much food they have. But people who have a lot of money and things can have trouble sleeping.

Ecclesiastes 5:12: The sleep of a labouring man [is] sweet, whether he eat little or much: but the abundance of the rich will not suffer him to sleep.

Contradiction with Ecclesiastes 2:24

This verse suggests that eating, drinking, and finding enjoyment in one's labor is good, contrasting with the troubling restlessness implied for the rich in Ecclesiastes 5:12.

Ecclesiastes 2:24: [There is] nothing better for a man, [than] that he should eat and drink, and [that] he should make his soul enjoy good in his labour. This also I saw, that it [was] from the hand of God. [should make...: or, delight his senses]

Contradiction with Ecclesiastes 3:13

Here, finding satisfaction in work is seen as a gift from God, contradicting the notion of the non-restful sleep mentioned in Ecclesiastes 5:12.

Ecclesiastes 3:13: And also that every man should eat and drink, and enjoy the good of all his labour, it [is] the gift of God.

Contradiction with Proverbs 10:22

States that the blessing of the Lord, which can include wealth, adds no sorrow, contrary to the disturbance in sleep for the wealthy in Ecclesiastes 5:12.

Proverbs 10:22: The blessing of the LORD, it maketh rich, and he addeth no sorrow with it.

Contradiction with Psalm 127:2

Claims beloved of God can have both work and restful sleep, contrasting the restless sleep of the rich mentioned in Ecclesiastes 5:12.

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 Luke 12:15

Advises against storing up wealth as life isn’t defined by possessions, seeming to challenge the notion in Ecclesiastes 5:12 where wealth can lead to restlessness.

Luke 12:15: And he said unto them, Take heed, and beware of covetousness: for a man's life consisteth not in the abundance of the things which he possesseth.
Disclaimer: The content provided at PolarBible.com is for educational purposes only. Readers have the full right to agree or disagree with the interpretations and conclusions presented. We take no responsibility for any actions or decisions taken based on the information shared as Polar Verses.