Contradiction with Ecclesiastes 2:24
This verse suggests that there is nothing better for a man than to enjoy food and drink and find satisfaction in his labor, emphasizing present, earthly pleasures, which contrasts with focusing on the soul's worth over worldly gain in Matthew 16:26.
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 1 Timothy 4:8
This verse values godliness over bodily exercise, highlighting that spiritual devotion is beneficial for all things, including promises of the present life and that to come, yet it recognizes some value in the physical, potentially contradicting the singular perspective on the soul's worth in Matthew 16:26.
1 Timothy 4:8: For bodily exercise profiteth little: but godliness is profitable unto all things, having promise of the life that now is, and of that which is to come. [little: or, for a little time]
Contradiction with Ecclesiastes 5:19
Suggests that wealth and riches, when perceived as gifts from God, are meant for enjoyment, which may contradict the message in Matthew 16:26 that implies worldly gains are insignificant compared to the soul's salvation.
Ecclesiastes 5:19: Every man also to whom God hath given riches and wealth, and hath given him power to eat thereof, and to take his portion, and to rejoice in his labour; this [is] the gift of God.
Contradiction with Luke 9:25
While similar to Matthew 16:26, this verse can be interpreted as placing value on the idea of gaining the world, showing a potential contradiction with the single focus on the soul's worth in Matthew 16:26.
Luke 9:25: For what is a man advantaged, if he gain the whole world, and lose himself, or be cast away?
Contradiction with Genesis 2:15
Implies that humanity's purpose includes working and taking care of the earth, which might suggest that worldly responsibilities have intrinsic value, contrasting the rhetorical questioning of the world’s worth in comparison to the soul in Matthew 16:26.
Genesis 2:15: And the LORD God took the man, and put him into the garden of Eden to dress it and to keep it. [the man: or, Adam]
Paradox #1
This verse highlights the conflict between material wealth and spiritual well-being. It implies that gaining worldly possessions may come at the expense of one's soul or moral integrity, presenting a contradiction between valuing material success and maintaining spiritual health.