Contradiction with Matthew 6:20
This verse suggests that one can lay up treasures in heaven, contrary to Ecclesiastes 5:16, which implies that nothing is gained from one's labor in the end.
Matthew 6:20: But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal:
Contradiction with Proverbs 11:18
This verse mentions that a righteous individual shall have a sure reward, in contrast to Ecclesiastes 5:16's implication that labor results in nothing gained.
Proverbs 11:18: The wicked worketh a deceitful work: but to him that soweth righteousness [shall be] a sure reward.
Contradiction with Mark 10:29-30
These verses promise a hundredfold return for sacrifices made for Christ's sake, challenging Ecclesiastes 5:16's perspective of gaining nothing.
Mark 10:29-30: And Jesus answered and said, Verily I say unto you, There is no man that hath left house, or brethren, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or lands, for my sake, and the gospel's,
Contradiction with Proverbs 13:11
Suggests that wealth obtained gradually will increase, opposing Ecclesiastes 5:16's notion of futility in gaining labor rewards.
Proverbs 13:11: Wealth [gotten] by vanity shall be diminished: but he that gathereth by labour shall increase. [by labour: Heb. with the hand]
Contradiction with 1 Timothy 6:19
Advises storing up a good foundation for the future, indicating a kind of gain opposed to the futility described in Ecclesiastes 5:16.
1 Timothy 6:19: Laying up in store for themselves a good foundation against the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life.
Contradiction with Philippians 3:7-8
Paul considers worldly gains as loss for Christ, yet he sees ultimate spiritual gain, conflicting with the idea of having gained nothing after labor.
Philippians 3:7-8: But what things were gain to me, those I counted loss for Christ.
Contradiction with Galatians 6:9
Encourages believers not to become weary in doing good, as it will eventually result in a harvest, contrasting with the idea that labor gains nothing.
Galatians 6:9: And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.
Paradox #1
Ecclesiastes 5:16 suggests that people leave the world with nothing, the same way they came in. A possible contradiction might arise when compared to other biblical teachings that emphasize the eternal significance of our actions or the idea of treasures in heaven, implying that what we do in this life has lasting impact beyond death. This could seem inconsistent with the notion that we leave with nothing.
Paradox #2
Ecclesiastes 5:16 might seem to contradict teachings about finding joy and fulfillment in life. This verse suggests that accumulating wealth is ultimately meaningless since we can't take it with us when we die. On the other hand, other parts of the Bible talk about enjoying the blessings and prosperity God provides. The potential conflict is between the emptiness of wealth as depicted in Ecclesiastes and the positive view of enjoying God's gifts in other scriptures.
Paradox #3
Ecclesiastes 5:16 discusses the idea that material wealth and earthly gains are ultimately futile since one cannot take them beyond this life. A possible contradiction or conflict might be that, while this suggests the vanity of pursuing wealth, other parts of the Bible encourage hard work and the rewards that come with it. There might seem to be a tension between valuing industriousness and acknowledging its temporary nature.