Contradiction with Psalm 37:4
Contradicts by suggesting that delight in the Lord grants fulfillment of desires, whereas Ecclesiastes 6:7 implies desires are never fulfilled.
Psalm 37:4: Delight thyself also in the LORD; and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart.
Contradiction with Proverbs 10:3
States the Lord will not allow the righteous to go hungry, while Ecclesiastes 6:7 suggests labor does not satisfy the soul's hunger.
Proverbs 10:3: The LORD will not suffer the soul of the righteous to famish: but he casteth away the substance of the wicked. [the substance...: or, the wicked for their wickedness]
Contradiction with Matthew 6:25-26
Encourages not to worry about food and drink, implying God provides for needs, contradicting Ecclesiastes 6:7's claim of unsatisfied appetite.
Matthew 6:25-26: Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink; nor yet for your body, what ye shall put on. Is not the life more than meat, and the body than raiment?
Contradiction with John 6:35
Jesus claims He is the bread of life that satisfies spiritual hunger, contrasting with Ecclesiastes 6:7's theme of unending want.
John 6:35: And Jesus said unto them, I am the bread of life: he that cometh to me shall never hunger; and he that believeth on me shall never thirst.
Contradiction with Philippians 4:11-12
Paul speaks on being content in any situation, opposing Ecclesiastes 6:7's view of perpetual dissatisfaction.
Philippians 4:11-12: Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, [therewith] to be content.
Contradiction with Psalm 23:1
Declares that with the Lord as shepherd, nothing is lacking, while Ecclesiastes 6:7 asserts continual lack despite toil.
Psalm 23:1: [A Psalm of David.] The LORD [is] my shepherd; I shall not want.
Paradox #1
Ecclesiastes 6:7 suggests that all human effort is ultimately for satisfying basic needs like hunger, yet satisfaction is never truly achieved. This could raise a theological conflict with teachings that emphasize spiritual fulfillment and contentment through faith and obedience to God. If life is just a cycle of unfulfilled desires, it might seem to contradict the idea that spiritual pursuits provide true and lasting satisfaction.
Paradox #2
The verse suggests that people work endlessly but are never satisfied. A potential contradiction might be with scriptures that emphasize contentment and gratitude, suggesting that satisfaction can be achieved through spiritual fulfillment or reliance on faith. This contrast arises because one view highlights the endless pursuit and lack of satisfaction in human effort, while the other emphasizes finding peace and contentment through one's spiritual life.
Paradox #3
Ecclesiastes 6:7 highlights the idea of endless striving and human desire, suggesting that people's work never truly satisfies them. A possible contradiction can arise when comparing this view with other parts of the Bible that speak about finding contentment and satisfaction through faith, like in Philippians 4:11-13. This can seem inconsistent because one perspective talks about the futility of effort, while another emphasizes fulfillment through spiritual means.
Paradox #4
Ecclesiastes 6:7 suggests that people work hard for their needs, but their desires are never fully satisfied. The contradiction might be that while hard work is often seen as a path to fulfillment and contentment, this verse suggests the opposite—that regardless of effort, complete satisfaction is never achieved. This could conflict with the idea that hard work will lead to happiness and contentment.