Contradiction with Proverbs 10:4
While Zechariah 8:9 encourages strong hands for the work, Proverbs highlights that it is diligent hands, not necessarily strong hands, that bring wealth.
Proverbs 10:4: He becometh poor that dealeth [with] a slack hand: but the hand of the diligent maketh rich.
Contradiction with Ecclesiastes 9:11
Zechariah 8:9 promotes strength and readiness, whereas Ecclesiastes suggests time and chance impact success more than strength.
Ecclesiastes 9:11: I returned, and saw under the sun, that the race [is] not to the swift, nor the battle to the strong, neither yet bread to the wise, nor yet riches to men of understanding, nor yet favour to men of skill; but time and chance happeneth to them all.
Contradiction with Matthew 5:39
Zechariah 8:9 implies an assertive approach, while Matthew advises turning the other cheek, promoting patience and peace over strength.
Matthew 5:39: But I say unto you, That ye resist not evil: but whosoever shall smite thee on thy right cheek, turn to him the other also.
Contradiction with Matthew 6:34
Zechariah 8:9 focuses on readiness to perform tasks, while Matthew cautions against worrying about tomorrow’s challenges.
Matthew 6:34: Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day [is] the evil thereof.
Contradiction with Philippians 4:13
Zechariah 8:9 emphasizes physical preparedness, whereas Philippians emphasizes spiritual strength through Christ.
Philippians 4:13: I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.
Contradiction with 1 Corinthians 1:25
While Zechariah encourages physical strength, Corinthians suggests that the foolishness of God is wiser and mightier than men’s strength.
1 Corinthians 1:25: Because the foolishness of God is wiser than men; and the weakness of God is stronger than men.
Contradiction with Isaiah 30:15
Zechariah 8:9 calls for strength in action, but Isaiah points to salvation and strength in quietness and trust.
Isaiah 30:15: For thus saith the Lord GOD, the Holy One of Israel; In returning and rest shall ye be saved; in quietness and in confidence shall be your strength: and ye would not.
Contradiction with John 18:36
Zechariah encourages readiness for building, while John highlights Jesus’s kingdom is not of this world, emphasizing spiritual over physical strength.
John 18:36: Jesus answered, My kingdom is not of this world: if my kingdom were of this world, then would my servants fight, that I should not be delivered to the Jews: but now is my kingdom not from hence.
Contradiction with Proverbs 24:10
Zechariah calls for strength, whereas Proverbs points to the importance of inner strength in adversity, suggesting if you faint, your strength is small.
Proverbs 24:10: [If] thou faint in the day of adversity, thy strength [is] small. [small: Heb. narrow]