There is a story printed in Rabbi Zevin's Sippurei Chassidim (translated by Artscroll as "A Treasury of Chassidic Tales"). I haven't read it in a while, so I don't remember all the details, but here's what I do remember:
The son of one of the Rebbeim (it might have been Ger or Belz) became Rebbe when his predecessor passed away. Some of the Chassidim were under the impression that the new Rebbe was not very learned, since they never saw him learn. They were therefore surprised when they saw the level of his Torah knowledge.
When questioned about it, the Rebbe asked, "What does the Talmud mean when it says, 'if someone says I've not toiled but I've found it, don't believe him'? Why is this an issue of belief? Open up a book and test him, and you'll see whether found it or not."
"Rather", the Rebbe continued, "If someone says 'I've found it without toiling for it', don't believe him when he says he hasn't toiled."
If you look at it this way, then there is no contradiction between the two statements.