EGW → Biblical Foundation
Select an Ellen White book from the sidebar to see each passage mapped to the Bible verses it amplifies, cites, or echoes.
Scripture Index
Ellen White & Bible Cross-Reference
Proverbs 11:1
"A false balance is abomination to the Lord: but a just weight is his delight."
"The custom of overreaching in trade, which exists in the world, is no example for Christians. They should not deviate from perfect integrity, even in small matters. To sell an article for more than it is worth, taking advantage of the ignorance of purchasers, is fraud. Unlawful gains, petty tricks of trade, exaggeration, competition, underselling a brother who is seeking to pursue an honest business—these things are corrupting the purity of the church, and are ruinous to her spirituality. 4T 494.1"
The EGW passage directly addresses dishonest business practices, which aligns with the principle of just weights and measures in Proverbs 11:1. The connection is clear and meaningful.
"Prices In the effort to secure outside patronage in order to relieve the publishing houses from financial embarrassment, prices have been set so low that the work brings no profit. Those who flatter themselves that there is a gain have not kept strict account of every outgo. Do not cut down prices in order to secure a job. Take only such work as will give a fair profit. 7T 163"
Both passages address the importance of honesty and fairness in business dealings. EGW warns against cutting prices to secure jobs and emphasizes the need for fair profit, while the Bible verse condemns false balances and praises just weights. The connection is a direct principle.
"It is not a mean, penurious spirit that would lead the proper officers to reprove existing wrongs and require from all the workers justice, economy, and self-denial. It is no coming down from proper dignity to guard the interests of our institutions in these matters. Those who are faithful themselves, naturally look for faithfulness in others. Strict integrity should govern the dealings of the managers and should be enforced upon all who labor under their direction. 4T 573.4"
Both passages address the importance of honesty and integrity in dealings, particularly in a business or institutional context. The proverb speaks of just weights and balances, while EGW speaks of justice, economy, and self-denial, all pointing to fairness and honesty.
"Plans have been made for lowering the prices of our books, without making a corresponding change in the cost of production. This is an error. The work should be kept on a paying basis. Let not the prices of books be lowered by special offers which may be termed inducements or bribes. God does not approve of these methods. 7T 159.3"
The EGW passage discusses fair pricing and avoiding deceptive practices, which aligns with the principle of honesty and just dealings found in Proverbs 11:1 regarding false balances.
Proverbs 11:3
"The integrity of the upright shall guide them: but the perverseness of transgressors shall destroy them."
"A man who is honest before God will deal justly with his fellow men, whether or not it is for his own personal interest to do so. The outward acts are a fair transcript of the principles within. Many whom God called to His work have been tested and proved; and there are others whom He is now testing and proving. LS 244.3"
The EGW passage directly echoes the principle of integrity guiding actions, as stated in Proverbs 11:3. The connection is clear and strong.
"Chapter 15—Business Principles and Methods “He that walketh uprightly walketh surely.” There is no branch of legitimate business for which the Bible does not afford an essential preparation. Its principles of diligence, honesty, thrift, temperance, and purity are the secret of true success. These principles, as set forth in the book of Proverbs, constitute a treasury of practical wisdom. Where can the merchant, the artisan, the director of men in any department of business, find better maxims for himself or for his employees than are found in these words of the wise man: Ed 135"
EGW introduces the idea of uprightness leading to sure footing, and then quotes Proverbs 11:3, which speaks of the integrity of the upright guiding them. The connection is direct and supports her point about business principles.
Proverbs 11:5
"The righteousness of the perfect shall direct his way: but the wicked shall fall by his own wickedness."
concealed, and his work was so disguised that the degradation and misery which resulted were not seen to be the fruit of transgression. And his power was so far counteracted by the working of the Spirit of God that his purposes were prevented from reaching their full fruition. The people did not trace the effect to its cause and discover the source of their miseries. But in the Revolution the law of God was openly set aside by the National Council. And in the Reign of Terror which followed, the working of cause and effect could be seen by all. GC 285.4 When France publicly rejected God and set aside the Bible, wicked men and spirits of darkness exulted in their attainment of the object so long desired—a kingdom free from the restraints of the law of God. Because sentence against an evil work was not speedily executed, therefore the heart of the sons of men was “fully set in them to do evil.” Ecclesiastes 8:11 . But the transgression of a just and righteous law must inevitably result in…
Ellen White directly references Proverbs 11:5 in this passage.
Proverbs 11:13
"A talebearer revealeth secrets: but he that is of a faithful spirit concealeth the matter."
"talebearer, the surmiser of evil! He is a stranger to true happiness. 5T 176.2"
Both passages discuss the negative consequences of being a talebearer.
Proverbs 11:14
"Where no counsel is, the people fall: but in the multitude of counsellors there is safety."
"There are a thousand temptations in disguise prepared for those who have the light of truth; and the only safety for any of us is in receiving no new doctrine, no new interpretation of the Scriptures, without first submitting it to brethren of experience. Lay it before them in a humble, teachable spirit, with earnest prayer; and if they see no light in it, yield to their judgment; for “in the multitude of counselors there is safety.” 5T 293.1"
The EGW passage directly quotes and applies the principle from Proverbs 11:14, stating that 'in the multitude of counselors there is safety.' This is a clear and direct application of the biblical principle.
"Herein lies a grave danger to the prosperity of our work. We must move discreetly, sensibly, in harmony with the judgment of God-fearing counselors; for in this course alone lies our safety and strength. Otherwise God cannot work with us and by us and for us. GW 486.3"
The EGW quote is a clear restatement and application of the principle found in Proverbs 11:14, emphasizing the safety and strength found in seeking counsel from multiple sources.
Many lack wise management and economy. They do not weigh matters well, and move cautiously. Such should not trust to their own poor judgment, but should counsel with their brethren who have experience. But those who lack economy and good judgment are often unwilling to seek counsel. They generally think that they understand how to conduct their temporal business, and are unwilling to follow advice. They make bad moves, and suffer in consequence. Their brethren are grieved to see them suffer, and they help them out of difficulty. Their unwise management affects the church. It takes means from the treasury of God which should have been used to advance the cause of present truth. If these poor brethren take a humble course and are willing to be advised and counseled by their brethren, and are then brought into straitened places, the brethren should feel it a duty to cheerfully help them out of difficulty. But if they choose their own course, and rely upon their own judgment, they should b…
The EGW passage directly echoes the principle of seeking counsel from experienced individuals, as highlighted in Proverbs 11:14. The context in EGW is about financial matters, but the underlying principle is the same.
There is a special work to be done for our young people by those bearing responsibility in local churches throughout the conferences. When the church officers see promising youth who are desirous of fitting themselves for usefulness in the Lord's service, but whose parents are unable to send them to school, they have a duty to perform in studying how to give help and encouragement. They should take counsel with parents and youth, and unite in planning wisely. Some youth may be best fitted to engage in home missionary work. There is a wide field of usefulness in the distribution of our literature and in bringing the third angel's message to the attention of friends and neighbors. Other youth should be encouraged to enter the canvassing work to sell our larger books. Some may have qualifications that would make them valuable helpers in our institutions. And in many instances, if promising youth were wisely encouraged and properly directed, they could be led to earn their own schooling by…
Both passages highlight the importance of counsel and planning for success.
"give no countenance to such weakness. When before the young, and at all times, be grave, be solemn. I saw that if Brother Loughborough and yourself make God your strength, a work will be accomplished by you for His poor people, for two can be a host. Come close to each other, pray together and separately, be free with each other. Brother Hull should confide in Brother Loughborough's judgment, and listen to his counsel and advice. 1T 437.2"
The EGW passage directly advises Brother Hull to listen to counsel, aligning with the principle in Proverbs 11:14 about the importance of counsel for guidance and safety.
"“I was pointed back to ——. Your feelings were wrong there. You should have stood side by side with Elder D and made straight work, taken hold of and reproved individual wrongs. The burden you cast upon Elder D you deserved yourself, for your lack of moral courage to lay your hand upon wrong. You influenced others. The good work which God designed should be accomplished for certain ones was not accomplished, and they have been puffed up by Satan. If you had stood in the counsel of God at that time, an influence would have been cast which would have told upon the cause of God. The Spirit of the Lord was grieved. And this lack of union discourages those upon whom God lays the burden of reproof. 1T 214.4"
The EGW passage speaks of the importance of standing in the counsel of God, and the negative consequences of lacking union and proper guidance. Proverbs 11:14 highlights the importance of counsel for safety and avoiding failure. The connection lies in the shared emphasis on the value of wise counsel and its impact on outcomes.
Proverbs 11:15
"He that is surety for a stranger shall smart for it: and he that hateth suretiship is sure."
"***** Chapter 36—Surety for Unbelievers I saw that God was displeased with His people for becoming surety for unbelievers. I was directed to these texts: Proverbs 22:26 : “Be not thou one of them that strike hands, or of them that are sureties for debts.” Proverbs 11:15 : “He that is surety for a stranger shall smart for it: and he that hateth suretyship is sure.” Unfaithful stewards! They pledge that which belongs to another,—their heavenly Father,—and Satan stands ready to aid his children to wrench it out of their hands. Sabbathkeepers should not be in partnership with unbelievers. God's people trust too much to the words of strangers, and ask their advice and counsel when they should not. The enemy makes them his agents, and works through them to perplex and take from God's people. 1T 200"
EGW directly quotes Proverbs 11:15 and applies it to the context of becoming surety for unbelievers.
"“He that is surety for a stranger shall smart for it: and he that hateth suretyship is sure.” Proverbs 11:15 . Ed 136.10 “Remove not the old landmark; and enter not into the fields of the fatherless: for their Redeemer is mighty; He shall plead their cause with thee.” “He that oppresseth the poor to increase his riches, and he that giveth to the rich, shall surely come to want.” “Whoso diggeth a pit shall fall therein: and he that rolleth a stone, it will return upon him.” Proverbs 23:10, 11 ; 22:16 ; 26:27 . Ed 136.11"
The EGW passage directly quotes Proverbs 11:15.
Proverbs 11:24
"There is that scattereth, and yet increaseth; and there is that withholdeth more than is meet, but it tendeth to poverty."
"“There is that scattereth, and yet increaseth; and there is that withholdeth more than is meet, but it tendeth to poverty. The liberal soul shall be made fat: and he that watereth shall be watered also himself.” Proverbs 11:24, 25 . 9T 253.2"
The EGW passage directly quotes Proverbs 11:24.
"“There is that scattereth, and yet increaseth; and there is that withholdeth more than is meet, but it tendeth to poverty.” “Cast thy bread upon the waters: for thou shalt find it after many days.” “The liberal soul shall be made fat: and he that watereth shall be watered also himself.” Proverbs 11:24, 25 ; Ecclesiastes 11:1 . Ed 139.5"
EGW directly quotes Proverbs 11:24.
"Says the wise man, “There is that scattereth, and yet increaseth; and there is that withholdeth more than is meet, but it tendeth to poverty.” Proverbs 11:24 . And the same lesson is taught in the New Testament by the apostle Paul: “He which soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he which soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully.” “God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work.” 2 Corinthians 9:6, 8 . PP 528.2"
EGW directly quotes Proverbs 11:24.
"The Lord requires that we return to Him in tithes and offerings a portion of the goods He has lent us. He accepts these offerings as an act of humble obedience on our part and a grateful acknowledgment of our indebtedness to Him for all the blessings we enjoy. Then let us offer willingly, saying with David: “All things come of Thee, and of Thine own have we given Thee.” Withholding more than is meet tends to poverty. God will bear long with some, He will test and prove all; but His curse will surely follow the selfish, world-loving professor of truth. God knows the heart; every thought and every purpose is open to His eye. He says: “Them that honor Me I will honor, and they that despise Me shall be lightly esteemed.” He knows whom to bless and who are deserving of His curse. He makes no mistakes, for angels are keeping a record of all our works and words. 5T 267"
EGW directly quotes David and alludes to Proverbs 11:24 regarding withholding and poverty. The connection is strong and explicit.
"God declares, “Blessed are ye that sow beside all waters.” Isaiah 32:20 . A continual imparting of God's gifts wherever the cause of God or the needs of humanity demand our aid, does not tend to poverty. “There is that scattereth, and yet increaseth; and there is that withholdeth more than is meet, but it tendeth to poverty.” Proverbs 11:24 . The sower multiplies his seed by casting it away. So it is with those who are faithful in distributing God's gifts. By imparting they increase their blessings. “Give, and it shall be given unto you,” God has promised; “good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom.” Luke 6:38 . AA 345.1"
EGW directly quotes Proverbs 11:24 to support her point about giving leading to increase.
"Constant, self-denying benevolence is God's remedy for the cankering sins of selfishness and covetousness. God has arranged systematic benevolence to sustain His cause and relieve the necessities of the suffering and needy. He has ordained that giving should become a habit, that it may counteract the dangerous and deceitful sin of covetousness. Continual giving starves covetousness to death. Systematic benevolence is designed in the order of God to tear away treasures from the covetous as fast as they are gained and to consecrate them to the Lord, to whom they belong. 3T 548.1"
EGW's statement about benevolence counteracting covetousness directly reflects the principle in Proverbs 11:24, where scattering (giving) leads to increase, and withholding leads to poverty. She applies this principle to the spiritual realm.
"My brother, there is need of constant watchfulness, lest, in Battle Creek, building shall be piled upon building and advantage heaped upon advantage. The means thus expended will testify against us. You should put wise plans into operation and scatter the influence that is centering in Battle Creek, diffusing the light that God has given you. Blessed are they that sow beside all waters. The more there is invested in Battle Creek, the greater will be the demand for additional investment; but this is not in the order of God, and before a very long period of time shall pass, the mistake of centering interests in Battle Creek will be made evident. 8T 146.2"
EGW's statement about scattering influence and diffusing light connects thematically with the idea of scattering and yet increasing (Proverbs 11:24). The idea is that investing resources elsewhere will ultimately lead to greater growth.
"A strictly honest, honorable course has not been taken by some. Such must take a very different course and work fast to redeem the time. Many Sabbathkeepers are at fault here. Advantage is taken even of their poor brethren, and those who have an abundance exact more than the real worth of things, more than they would pay for the same things, while these same brethren are embarrassed and distressed for want of means. God knows all these things. Every selfish act, every covetous extortion, will bring its reward. 1T 176.1"
The proverb speaks of the principle of generosity and its rewards versus stinginess and its consequences. EGW's passage addresses the same principle in the context of Sabbathkeepers dealing with each other, where withholding (exacting more than worth) leads to poverty (distress for want of means).
Proverbs 11:25
"The liberal soul shall be made fat: and he that watereth shall be watered also himself."
"“There is that scattereth, and yet increaseth; and there is that withholdeth more than is meet, but it tendeth to poverty.” “Cast thy bread upon the waters: for thou shalt find it after many days.” “The liberal soul shall be made fat: and he that watereth shall be watered also himself.” Proverbs 11:24, 25 ; Ecclesiastes 11:1 . Ed 139.5"
EGW directly quotes Proverbs 11:25.
"And he who seeks to give light to others will himself be blessed. “There shall be showers of blessing.” “He that watereth shall be watered also himself.” Proverbs 11:25 . God could have reached His object in saving sinners without our aid; but in order for us to develop a character like Christ's, we must share in His work. In order to enter into His joy,—the joy of seeing souls redeemed by His sacrifice,—we must participate in His labors for their redemption. DA 142.2"
Ellen White directly references Proverbs 11:25 in this passage.
"The merciful “shall obtain mercy.” “The soul of blessing shall be made fat: and he that watereth shall be watered also himself.” Proverbs 11:25 , margin. There is sweet peace for the compassionate spirit, a blessed satisfaction in the life of self-forgetful service for the good of others. The Holy Spirit that abides in the soul and is manifest in the life will soften hard hearts and awaken sympathy and tenderness. You will reap that which you sow. “Blessed is he that considereth the poor.... The Lord will preserve him, and keep him alive; and he shall be blessed upon the earth: and Thou wilt not deliver him unto the will of his enemies. The Lord will strengthen him upon the bed of languishing: Thou wilt make all his bed in his sickness.” Psalm 41:1-3 . MB 23.2"
Ellen White directly references Proverbs 11:25 in this passage.
"Human power did not establish the work of God, neither can human power destroy it. To those who carry forward His work in face of difficulty and opposition, God will give the constant guidance and guardianship of His holy angels. His work on earth will never cease. The building of His spiritual temple will be carried forward until it shall stand complete, and the headstone shall be brought forth with shoutings: “Grace, grace unto it.” 7T 170.1 ***** The Christian is to be a benefit to others. Thus he himself is benefited. “He that watereth shall be watered also himself.” Proverbs 11:25 . This is a law of the divine administration, a law by which God designs that the streams of beneficence shall be kept, like the waters of the great deep, in constant circulation, perpetually returning to their source. In the fulfilling of this law is the power of Christian missions. 7T 170.2"
Ellen White directly references Proverbs 11:25 in this passage.
"The Lord says, “Blessed are ye that sow beside all waters.” Isaiah 32:20 . To sow beside all waters means to give wherever our help is needed. This will not tend to poverty. “He which soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully.” By casting it away the sower multiplies his seed. So by imparting we increase our blessings. God's promise assures a sufficiency, that we may continue to give. Ed 109.5"
Both passages connect generosity with abundance. EGW directly quotes Isaiah 32:20 and then paraphrases the principle found in Proverbs 11:25, linking sowing bountifully with reaping bountifully and being watered.
"In the providence of God, Brother A has given his interest and energies to the Health Institute. He has had an unselfish interest to advance the interests of the Institute and has not spared or favored himself. If he depends on God and makes Him his strength and counselor he can be a blessing to physicians, helpers, and patients. He has linked his interest to everything connected with the Institute and has been a blessing to others in cheerfully bearing burdens which were neither few nor light. He has blessed others, and these blessings will again be reflected upon him. 3T 176.2"
Both passages express the principle that generosity and selfless service are rewarded. The EGW quote illustrates this principle with the example of Brother A's dedication to the Health Institute.
"Rich and abundant are the promises made to those who are watchful of opportunities to bring joy and blessing into the lives of others. “If thou draw out thy soul to the hungry, and satisfy the afflicted soul; then shall thy light rise in obscurity, and thy darkness be as the noonday: and the Lord shall guide thee continually, and satisfy thy soul in drought, and make fat thy bones: and thou shalt be like a watered garden, and like a spring of water, whose waters fail not.” Isaiah 58:10, 11 . PK 327.2"
Both passages connect generosity and blessing others with receiving blessings in return. Proverbs 11:25 speaks of the liberal soul being made fat and watered, while Isaiah 58:10-11 promises light, guidance, satisfaction, and strength to those who draw out their soul to the hungry and satisfy the afflicted soul. The thematic parallel is clear.
***** The reward of whole-souled liberality is the leading of mind and heart to a closer fellowship with the Spirit. 6T 390.3 The man who has been unfortunate, and finds himself in debt, should not take the Lord's portion to cancel his debts to his fellow men. He should consider that in these transactions he is being tested, and that in reserving the Lord's portion for his own use he is robbing the Giver. He is debtor to God for all that he has, but he becomes a double debtor when he uses the Lord's reserved fund in paying debts to human beings. “Unfaithfulness to God” is written against his name in the books of heaven. He has an account to settle with God for appropriating the Lord's means for his own convenience. And the want of principle shown in his misappropriation of God's means will be revealed in his management of other matters. It will be seen in all matters connected with his own business. The man who will rob God is cultivating traits of character that will cut him off from …
While Proverbs 11:25 speaks of the general blessing of liberality, the EGW passage discusses the specific context of tithing and the consequences of withholding from God. There is a thematic parallel in that both passages connect generosity/liberality with positive outcomes, though the EGW passage is more focused on the spiritual implications of tithing.
"None need fear that their liberality would bring them to want. Obedience to God's commandments would surely result in prosperity. “Thou shalt lend unto many nations,” He said, “but thou shalt not borrow; and thou shalt reign over many nations, but they shall not reign over thee.” Deuteronomy 15:6 . PP 533.1"
Both passages connect generosity with prosperity, although the wording and specific promises differ. Proverbs 11:25 provides a general principle, while Deuteronomy 15:6 is a specific promise to Israel.
"These regulations were designed to bless the rich no less than the poor. They would restrain avarice and a disposition for self-exaltation, and would cultivate a noble spirit of benevolence; and by fostering good will and confidence between all classes, they would promote social order, the stability of government. We are all woven together in the great web of humanity, and whatever we can do to benefit and uplift others will reflect in blessing upon ourselves. The law of mutual dependence runs through all classes of society. The poor are not more dependent upon the rich than are the rich upon the poor. While the one class ask a share in the blessings which God has bestowed upon their wealthier neighbors, the other need the faithful service, the strength of brain and bone and muscle, that are the capital of the poor. PP 534.4"
Both passages suggest that generosity and benevolence benefit both the giver and the receiver. EGW focuses on the social benefits, while Proverbs speaks of material prosperity. The connection is present, though the focus differs slightly.
Proverbs 11:30
"The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life; and he that winneth souls is wise."
The converted soul lives in Christ. His darkness passes away, and a new and heavenly light shines into his soul. “He that winneth souls is wise.” [ Proverbs 11:30 .] “And they that be wise shall shine as the brightness of the firmament; and they that turn many to righteousness, as the stars forever and ever.” [ Daniel 12:3 .] What is done through the co-operation of men with God is a work that shall never perish, but endure through the eternal ages. He that makes God his wisdom, that grows up into the full stature of a man in Christ Jesus, will stand before kings, before the so-called great men of the world, and show forth the praises of Him who hath called him out of darkness into his marvelous light. Science and literature cannot bring into the darkened mind of men the light which the glorious gospel of the Son of God can bring. The Son of God alone can do the great work of illuminating the soul. No wonder Paul exclaims, “For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ; for it is the po…
Ellen White directly references Proverbs 11:30 in this passage.
"Chapter 7—Lives of Great Men “The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life.” Sacred history presents many illustrations of the results of true education. It presents many noble examples of men whose characters were formed under divine direction, men whose lives were a blessing to their fellow men and who stood in the world as representatives of God. Among these are Joseph and Daniel, Moses, Elisha, and Paul—the greatest statesmen, the wisest legislator, one of the most faithful of reformers, and, except Him who spoke as never man spake, the most illustrious teacher that this world has known. Ed 51"
The EGW passage begins the chapter with a direct quote from Proverbs 11:30, setting the stage for examples of righteous individuals whose lives bore fruit. The connection is direct and meaningful.
Proverbs 11:31
"Behold, the righteous shall be recompensed in the earth: much more the wicked and the sinner."
"The wicked receive their recompense in the earth. Proverbs 11:31 . They “shall be stubble: and the day that cometh shall burn them up, saith the Lord of hosts.” Malachi 4:1 . Some are destroyed as in a moment, while others suffer many days. All are punished “according to their deeds.” The sins of the righteous having been transferred to Satan, he is made to suffer not only for his own rebellion, but for all the sins which he has caused God's people to commit. His punishment is to be far greater than that of those whom he has deceived. After all have perished who fell by his deceptions, he is still to live and suffer on. In the cleansing flames the wicked are at last destroyed, root and branch—Satan the root, his followers the branches. The full penalty of the law has been visited; the demands of justice have been met; and heaven and earth, beholding, declare the righteousness of Jehovah. GC 673.1"
Ellen White directly references Proverbs 11:31 in this passage.