Contradiction with Proverbs 22:29
Ecclesiastes 9:15 suggests the wise man's effort is forgotten, while Proverbs 22:29 indicates diligence and skill will bring recognition.
Proverbs 22:29: Seest thou a man diligent in his business? he shall stand before kings; he shall not stand before mean [men]. [mean...: Heb. obscure men]
Contradiction with Proverbs 11:25
Ecclesiastes 9:15 implies no reward for wisdom, whereas Proverbs 11:25 suggests that generosity and wisdom lead to prosperity and blessings.
Proverbs 11:25: The liberal soul shall be made fat: and he that watereth shall be watered also himself. [liberal...: Heb. soul of blessing]
Contradiction with Matthew 5:14-16
Ecclesiastes 9:15 portrays wisdom as unnoticed, yet Matthew 5:14-16 emphasizes that good deeds and wisdom should be seen to glorify God.
Matthew 5:14-16: Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid.
Contradiction with Galatians 6:9
Ecclesiastes 9:15 reflects a view of forgotten wisdom, but Galatians 6:9 assures that perseverance in doing good, which includes wisdom, will eventually lead to a harvest.
Galatians 6:9: And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.
Contradiction with Proverbs 12:24
While Ecclesiastes 9:15 shows that wisdom can be forgotten, Proverbs 12:24 suggests that the diligent shall rule, implying recognition and memory.
Proverbs 12:24: The hand of the diligent shall bear rule: but the slothful shall be under tribute. [slothful: or, deceitful]
Contradiction with Matthew 5:3-12
Ecclesiastes 9:15 indicates a lack of recognition for wisdom, yet Matthew 5:3-12 promises blessings for certain attitudes and actions, which include wise living.
Matthew 5:3-12: Blessed [are] the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Contradiction with 1 Peter 5:6
Ecclesiastes 9:15 suggests the wise man's efforts remain unnoticed, whereas 1 Peter 5:6 advises believers to humble themselves so that God may exalt them in due time, indicating eventual recognition.
1 Peter 5:6: Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time:
Contradiction with Hebrews 6:10
Ecclesiastes 9:15 notes that wisdom may be forgotten, but Hebrews 6:10 reassures believers that God is not unjust to forget the work and love shown in His name.
Hebrews 6:10: For God [is] not unrighteous to forget your work and labour of love, which ye have shewed toward his name, in that ye have ministered to the saints, and do minister.
Contradiction with Proverbs 10:7
While Ecclesiastes 9:15 suggests the efforts of the wise are forgotten, Proverbs 10:7 asserts that the memory of the just is blessed, implying lasting remembrance.
Proverbs 10:7: The memory of the just [is] blessed: but the name of the wicked shall rot.
Contradiction with Psalms 37:18
Ecclesiastes 9:15 indicates wisdom can be forgotten, whereas Psalms 37:18 assures that the LORD knows the days of the upright, and their inheritance shall be forever, suggesting enduring remembrance and reward.
Psalms 37:18: The LORD knoweth the days of the upright: and their inheritance shall be for ever.
Paradox #1
Ecclesiastes 9:15 might seem to contradict the idea that wisdom always leads to recognition and reward. In many parts of the Bible, wisdom is portrayed as valuable and leading to success or honor. However, this verse suggests that even wise people can go unnoticed or unrewarded, which could seem inconsistent with other teachings that associate wisdom with positive outcomes.
Paradox #2
Ecclesiastes 9:15 might seem to contradict the idea that wisdom and good deeds are always rewarded. In the verse, a poor wise man saves a city, but he is forgotten, which could conflict with the belief that righteousness and wisdom are always acknowledged and rewarded. This highlights the unpredictability of human recognition and reward.
Paradox #3
Ecclesiastes 9:15 talks about a poor man with wisdom saving a city, yet no one remembers him. The contradiction or conflict here could be that wisdom and good deeds should be valued and remembered, but in this case, they are quickly forgotten. This raises questions about the fairness and rewards for doing good.