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 14:9
"Fools make a mock at sin: but among the righteous there is favour."
"It should be made plain that the government of God knows no compromise with evil. Neither in the home nor in the school should disobedience be tolerated. No parent or teacher who has at heart the well-being of those under his care will compromise with the stubborn self-will that defies authority or resorts to subterfuge or evasion in order to escape obedience. It is not love but sentimentalism that palters with wrongdoing, seeks by coaxing or bribes to secure compliance, and finally accepts some substitute in place of the thing required. Ed 290.4 “Fools make a mock at sin.” Proverbs 14:9 . We should beware of treating sin as a light thing. Terrible is its power over the wrongdoer. “His own iniquities shall take the wicked himself, and he shall be holden with the cords of his sins.” Proverbs 5:22 . The greatest wrong done to a child or youth is to allow him to become fastened in the bondage of evil habit. Ed 291.1"
Ellen White directly references Proverbs 14:9 in this passage.
Proverbs 14:12
"There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death."
"Pilate yielded to the demands of the mob. Rather than risk losing his position, he delivered Jesus up to be crucified. But in spite of his precautions, the very thing he dreaded afterward came upon him. His honors were stripped from him, he was cast down from his high office, and, stung by remorse and wounded pride, not long after the crucifixion he ended his own life. So all who compromise with sin will gain only sorrow and ruin. “There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death.” Proverbs 14:12 . DA 738.3"
Ellen White directly references Proverbs 14:12 in this passage.
"suffer the consequences. If men choose any other path than that of strict obedience, they will find that “the end thereof are the ways of death.” Proverbs 14:12 . PP 360.2"
Ellen White directly references Proverbs 14:12 in this passage.
"In his expedition against Amalek, Saul thought he had done all that was essential of that which the Lord had commanded him; but the Lord was not pleased with partial obedience, nor willing to pass over what had been neglected through so plausible a motive. God has given men no liberty to depart from His requirements. The Lord had declared to Israel, “Ye shall not do ... every man whatsoever is right in his own eyes;” but ye shall “observe and hear all these words which I command thee.” Deuteronomy 12:8, 28 . In deciding upon any course of action we are not to ask whether we can see that harm will result from it, but whether it is in keeping with the will of God. “There is a way which seemeth right unto a man; but the end thereof are the ways of death.” Proverbs 14:12 . PP 634.2"
Ellen White directly references Proverbs 14:12 in this passage.
Solomon's course brought its sure penalty. His separation from God through communication with idolaters was his ruin. As he cast off his allegiance to God, he lost the mastery of himself. His moral efficiency was gone. His fine sensibilities became blunted, his conscience seared. He who in his early reign had displayed so much wisdom and sympathy in restoring a helpless babe to its unfortunate mother (see 1 Kings 3:16-28 ), fell so low as to consent to the erection of an idol to whom living children were offered as sacrifices. He who in his youth was endowed with discretion and understanding, and who in his strong manhood had been inspired to write, “There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death” ( Proverbs 14:12 ), in later years departed so far from purity as to countenance licentious, revolting rites connected with the worship of Chemosh and Ashtoreth. He who at the dedication of the temple had said to his people, “Let your heart therefore …
Ellen White directly references Proverbs 14:12 in this passage.
"From the beginning Satan has portrayed to men the gains to be won by transgression. Thus he seduced angels. Thus he tempted Adam and Eve to sin. And thus he is still leading multitudes away from obedience to God. The path of transgression is made to appear desirable; “but the end thereof are the ways of death.” Proverbs 14:12 . Happy they who, having ventured in this way, learn how bitter are the fruits of sin, and turn from it betimes. God in His mercy did not leave David to be lured to utter ruin by the deceitful rewards of sin. PP 720.3"
Ellen White directly references Proverbs 14:12 in this passage.
We should ever exert an influence which will be sanctifying on those around us. This saving, ennobling influence has been very feeble at -----. Many have mingled with the world and partaken of its spirit and influence, and its friendship has separated them from God. Jesus has passed a day's journey in advance of them. They can no longer hear His voice of counsel and warning, and they follow their own wisdom and judgment. They follow a course which appears right in their own eyes, but which afterward proves to be folly. God will not allow His work to be mixed with worldly policy. Shrewd, calculating men of the world are not the men to take leading positions in this most solemn, sacred work. They must either be converted, or engage in that calling which is appropriate to their world-loving inclinations, and which does not involve such eternal consequences. God will never enter into partnership with worldlings. Christ gives everyone his choice: Will you have Me or the world? Will you suff…
The phrase 'a course which appears right in their own eyes, but which afterward proves to be folly' is a clear reference to Proverbs 14:12, 'There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death.' EGW uses this proverb to warn against following one's own wisdom instead of God's counsel.
"The secret cause of the affliction that had made this man a fearful spectacle to his friends and a burden to himself was in his own life. He had been fascinated by the pleasures of sin, and had thought to make life a grand carnival. He did not dream of becoming a terror to the world and the reproach of his family. He thought his time could be spent in innocent folly. But once in the downward path, his feet rapidly descended. Intemperance and frivolity perverted the noble attributes of his nature, and Satan took absolute control of him. DA 256.3"
Both passages warn about the deceptive nature of sin and its destructive consequences. The EGW passage describes how the man's pursuit of pleasure led to his downfall, while the verse from Proverbs warns that a path that seems right can lead to death. The EGW passage illustrates the principle stated in Proverbs.
"Experience is said to be the best teacher. Genuine experience is indeed superior to book knowledge. But habits and customs gird men and women as with iron bands, and they are generally justified by experience, according to the common understanding of the term. Very many have abused precious experience. They have clung to their injurious habits, which are decidedly enfeebling to physical, mental, and moral health; and when you seek to instruct them, they sanction their course by referring to their experience. But true experience is in harmony with natural law and science. 3T 71.1"
Both passages warn against relying solely on personal experience or what seems right, as it can be misleading. Proverbs warns that a way that seems right can lead to death, while EGW cautions against justifying harmful habits based on 'experience.'
"efforts to search out what God has been pleased to withhold, multitudes overlook the truths which He has revealed, and which are essential to salvation. Satan tempts men to disobedience by leading them to believe they are entering a wonderful field of knowledge. But this is all a deception. Elated with their ideas of progression, they are, by trampling on God's requirements, setting their feet in the path that leads to degradation and death. PP 54.3"
The EGW passage illustrates the principle of Proverbs 14:12, where a path that seems right can lead to death. The pursuit of forbidden knowledge, though seemingly progressive, leads to degradation and death, mirroring the proverb's warning.
"The effects of a flesh diet may not be immediately realized; but this is no evidence that it is not harmful. Few can be made to believe that it is the meat they have eaten which has poisoned their blood and caused their suffering. Many die of diseases wholly due to meat eating, while the real cause is not suspected by themselves or by others. MH 315.1"
EGW's statement about the delayed and often unrecognized harmful effects of meat consumption aligns with the proverb's warning about paths that seem right but lead to death. Both highlight the danger of choices with unseen consequences.
Proverbs 14:16
"A wise man feareth, and departeth from evil: but the fool rageth, and is confident."
"Brother Lunt of Portland, Maine, has suffered much in his feelings. He has felt that the spirit which often ruled in their meetings was not in harmony with the message of the third angel. He has had an experience in the fanaticism which has left desolation in the East, and this leads him to look with suspicion upon everything which appears like fanaticism. He has the past before him as a warning and has felt like keeping aloof from, and speaking plainly with, those who had any degree of fanaticism, for he felt that both they and the cause of God were in danger. He has looked upon things in about the right light. 1T 412.2"
Both passages touch on the idea of wisdom and caution in the face of danger. Brother Lunt's fear of fanaticism and desire to avoid it aligns with the proverb's emphasis on fearing evil and departing from it.
The North did not understand the bitter, dreadful hatred of the South toward them, and were unprepared for their deep-laid plots. The North had boasted of their strength and ridiculed the idea of the South leaving the Union. They considered it like the threats of a willful, stubborn child, and thought that the South would soon come to their senses, and, becoming sick of leaving the Union, would with humble apologies return to their allegiance. The North have had no just idea of the strength of the accursed system of slavery. It is this, and this alone, which lies at the foundation of the war. The South have been more and more exacting. They consider it perfectly right to engage in human traffic, to deal in slaves and the souls of men. They are annoyed and become perfectly exasperated if they cannot claim all the territory they desire. They would tear down the boundaries and bring their slaves to any spot they please, and curse the soil with slave labor. The language of the South has be…
The EGW passage describes the confident and raging attitude of the South, contrasted with the wisdom of fearing evil. This aligns with the proverb's contrast between the wise and the foolish. The connection is thematic, focusing on the difference between wisdom and foolishness in the face of danger.
Proverbs 14:23
"In all labour there is profit: but the talk of the lips tendeth only to penury."
"“In all labor there is profit: but the talk of the lips tendeth only to penury.” Proverbs 14:23 . Ed 135.3"
Ellen White directly references Proverbs 14:23 in this passage.
"Had all our schools encouraged work in agricultural lines, they would now have an altogether different showing. There would not be so great discouragements. Opposing influences would have been overcome; financial conditions would have changed. With the students, labor would have been equalized; and as all the human machinery was proportionately taxed, greater physical and mental strength would have been developed. But the instruction which the Lord has been pleased to give has been taken hold of so feebly that obstacles have not been overcome. 6T 177.2"
EGW's statement about the benefits of labor aligns with the proverb's emphasis on the profit derived from work, contrasting it with the emptiness of mere talk.
Proverbs 14:26
"In the fear of the Lord is strong confidence: and his children shall have a place of refuge."
"“In the fear of the Lord is strong confidence: And His children shall have a place of refuge.” Proverbs 14:26 . MH 250.3"
EGW directly quotes Proverbs 14:26.
Proverbs 14:29
"He that is slow to wrath is of great understanding: but he that is hasty of spirit exalteth folly."
"There are many who are in such haste to climb to distinction that they skip some of the rounds of the ladder and in so doing lose experience which they must have in order to become intelligent workers. In their zeal the knowledge of many things looks unimportant to them. They skim over the surface and do not go deep into the mine of truth, thus by a slow and painstaking process gaining an experience that will enable them to be of special help to others. We want our medical students to be men and women who are most thorough and who feel it their duty to improve every talent lent them, that they may finally double their entrusted capital. CT 476.1"
Both passages touch on the value of patience and thoroughness in acquiring knowledge and understanding. The EGW passage warns against skipping steps in learning, while Proverbs 14:29 contrasts the wise, patient person with the hasty, foolish one.
Proverbs 14:30
"A sound heart is the life of the flesh: but envy the rottenness of the bones."
"Jealousy had given rise to envy, and envy to rebellion. They had discussed the question of the right of Moses to so great authority and honor, until they had come to regard him as occupying a very enviable position, which any of them could fill as well as he. And they deceived themselves and one another into thinking that Moses and Aaron had themselves assumed the positions they held. The discontented ones said that these leaders had exalted themselves above the congregation of the Lord, in taking upon them the priesthood and government, but their house was not entitled to distinction above others in Israel; they were no more holy than the people, and it should be enough for them to be on a level with their brethren, who were equally favored with God's special presence and protection. PP 397.2"
The EGW passage describes how envy led to rebellion. Proverbs 14:30 speaks of the destructive nature of envy. The EGW passage illustrates the principle of envy leading to negative consequences.
Proverbs 14:31
"He that oppresseth the poor reproacheth his Maker: but he that honoureth him hath mercy on the poor."
Not all the poor in the city slums are of this class. God-fearing men and women have been brought to the depths of poverty by illness or misfortune, often through the dishonest scheming of those who live by preying upon their fellows. Many who are upright and well-meaning become poor through lack of industrial training. Through ignorance they are unfitted to wrestle with the difficulties of life. Drifting into the cities, they are often unable to find employment. Surrounded by the sights and sounds of vice, they are subjected to terrible temptation. Herded and often classed with the vicious and degraded, it is only by a superhuman struggle, a more than finite power, that they can be preserved from sinking to the same depths. Many hold fast their integrity, choosing to suffer rather than to sin. This class especially demand help, sympathy, and encouragement. MH 190.1 If the poor now crowded into the cities could find homes upon the land, they might not only earn a livelihood, but find h…
Both passages address the treatment of the poor. Proverbs 14:31 condemns oppressing the poor and honors those who show mercy. EGW describes the plight of the poor and calls for help, sympathy, and encouragement, particularly for those impoverished through misfortune or dishonesty. The connection lies in the moral obligation to care for the poor.
Proverbs 14:32
"The wicked is driven away in his wickedness: but the righteous hath hope in his death."
It was not given Elisha to follow his master in a fiery chariot. Upon him the Lord permitted to come a lingering illness. During the long hours of human weakness and suffering his faith laid fast hold on the promises of God, and he beheld ever about him heavenly messengers of comfort and peace. As on the heights of Dothan he had seen the encircling hosts of heaven, the fiery chariots of Israel and the horsemen thereof, so now he was conscious of the presence of sympathizing angels, and he was sustained. Throughout his life he had exercised strong faith, and as he had advanced in a knowledge of God's providences and of His merciful kindness, faith had ripened into an abiding trust in his God, and when death called him he was ready to rest from his labors. PK 263.3 “Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of His saints.” Psalm 116:15 . “The righteous hath hope in his death.” Proverbs 14:32 . With the psalmist, Elisha could say in all confidence, “God will redeem my soul from the p…
Ellen White directly references Proverbs 14:32 in this passage.
Proverbs 14:34
"Righteousness exalteth a nation: but sin is a reproach to any people."
"To understand these things,—to understand that “righteousness exalteth a nation;” that “the throne is established by righteousness” and “upholden by mercy” ( Proverbs 14:34 ; 16:12 ; Proverbs 20:28 ); to recognize the outworking of these principles in the manifestation of His power who “removeth kings, and setteth up kings” ( Daniel 2:21 ),—this is to understand the philosophy of history. Ed 175.1"
EGW directly quotes Proverbs 14:34, making this a clear and intentional reference.
"To understand these things,—to understand that “righteousness exalteth a nation;” that “the throne is established by righteousness,” and “upholden by mercy;” to recognize the outworking of these principles in the manifestation of His power who “removeth kings, and setteth up kings,”—this is to understand the philosophy of history. Proverbs 14:34 ; 16:12 ; Proverbs 20:28 ; Daniel 2:21 . PK 502.2"
EGW directly quotes Proverbs 14:34.
"These schools proved to be one of the means most effective in promoting that righteousness which “exalteth a nation.” Proverbs 14:34 . In no small degree they aided in laying the foundation of that marvelous prosperity which distinguished the reigns of David and Solomon. Ed 47.3"
Ellen White directly references Proverbs 14:34 in this passage.
Little did the rulers of the land foresee the results of that fateful policy. The teaching of the Bible would have implanted in the minds and hearts of the people those principles of justice, temperance, truth, equity, and benevolence which are the very cornerstone of a nation's prosperity. “Righteousness exalteth a nation.” Thereby “the throne is established.” Proverbs 14:34 ; 16:12 . “The work of righteousness shall be peace;” and the effect, “quietness and assurance forever.” Isaiah 32:17 . He who obeys the divine law will most truly respect and obey the laws of his country. He who fears God will honor the king in the exercise of all just and legitimate authority. But unhappy France prohibited the Bible and banned its disciples. Century after century, men of principle and integrity, men of intellectual acuteness and moral strength, who had the courage to avow their convictions and the faith to suffer for the truth—for centuries these men toiled as slaves in the galleys, perished at …
Ellen White directly references Proverbs 14:34 in this passage.
"power had been enriching her literature and cultivating her science; if their wisdom had been guiding her councils, their bravery fighting her battles, their equity framing her laws, and the religion of the Bible strengthening the intellect and governing the conscience of her people, what a glory would at this day have encompassed France! What a great, prosperous, and happy country—a pattern to the nations—would she have been! GC 278.1"
The EGW passage directly illustrates the principle stated in Proverbs 14:34. Righteousness (following the religion of the Bible) would have exalted France, while sin (rejecting it) led to its downfall.
"Atheists, infidels, and apostates oppose and denounce God's law; but the results of their influence prove that the well-being of man is bound up with his obedience of the divine statutes. Those who will not read the lesson from the book of God are bidden to read it in the history of nations. GC 285.3"
The EGW passage states that the well-being of man is bound up with obedience to God's law, and that the history of nations demonstrates this. This directly reflects the principle in Proverbs 14:34, which states that righteousness exalts a nation, while sin is a reproach.
"The teaching of the Bible has a vital bearing upon man's prosperity in all the relations of this life. It unfolds the principles that are the cornerstone of a nation's prosperity—principles with which is bound up the well- being of society, and which are the safeguard of the family—principles without which no man can attain usefulness, happiness, and honor in this life, or can hope to secure the future, immortal life. There is no position in life, no phase of human experience, for which the teaching of the Bible is not an essential preparation. Studied and obeyed, the word of God would give to the world men of stronger and more active intellect than will the closest application to all the subjects that human philosophy embraces. It would give men of strength and solidity of character, of keen perception and sound judgment—men who would be an honor to God and a blessing to the world. PP 599.1"
Both passages connect righteousness/biblical principles with national prosperity and well-being. EGW expands on the idea of righteousness affecting all aspects of life, while Proverbs focuses on the national level.
"The honor of God, the stability of the nation, the well-being of the community, of the home, and of the individual, demand that every possible effort be made in arousing the people to the evil of intemperance. Soon we shall see the result of this terrible evil as we do not see it now. Who will put forth a determined effort to stay the work of destruction? As yet the contest has hardly begun. Let an army be formed to stop the sale of the drugged liquors that are making men mad. Let the danger from the liquor traffic be made plain and a public sentiment be created that shall demand its prohibition. Let the drink-maddened men be given an opportunity to escape from their thralldom. Let the voice of the nation demand of its lawmakers that a stop be put to this infamous traffic. MH 346.2"
The passage emphasizes the importance of addressing intemperance for the well-being of the nation, echoing the idea that righteousness exalts a nation.
"The Bible was held as the foundation of faith, the source of wisdom, and the charter of liberty. Its principles were diligently taught in the home, in the school, and in the church, and its fruits were manifest in thrift, intelligence, purity, and temperance. One might be for years a dweller in the Puritan settlement, “and not see a drunkard, or hear an oath, or meet a beggar.”—Bancroft, pt. 1, ch. 19, par. 25. It was demonstrated that the principles of the Bible are the surest safeguards of national greatness. The feeble and isolated colonies grew to a confederation of powerful states, and the world marked with wonder the peace and prosperity of “a church without a pope, and a state without a king.” GC 296.3"
The EGW passage describes the positive outcomes of adhering to biblical principles in the Puritan settlements, which aligns with the proverb that righteousness exalts a nation. The connection is thematic, focusing on the societal impact of righteousness.
"Here is the only safeguard for individual integrity, for the purity of the home, the well-being of society, or the stability of the nation. Amidst all life's perplexities and dangers and conflicting claims the one safe and sure rule is to do what God says. “The statutes of the Lord are right,” and “he that doeth these things shall never be moved.” Psalm 19:8 ; 15:5 . Ed 229.3"
Both passages connect obedience to God's law with stability and well-being, whether for an individual or a nation. While Proverbs 14:34 focuses on national righteousness, the underlying principle is similar.
"What can be done to press back the inflowing tide of evil? Let laws be enacted and rigidly enforced prohibiting the sale and the use of ardent spirits as a beverage. Let every effort be made to encourage the inebriate's return to temperance and virtue. But even more than this is needed to banish the curse of inebriety from our land. Let the appetite for intoxicating liquors be removed, and their use and sale is at an end. This work must to a great degree devolve upon parents. Let them, by observing strict temperance themselves, give the right stamp of character to their children, and then educate and train these children, in the fear of God, to habits of self-denial and self-control. Youth who have been thus trained will have moral stamina to resist temptation, and to control appetite and passion. They will stand unmoved by the folly and dissipation that are corrupting society. GW 388.1"
Both passages connect righteousness/virtue with the well-being of a community/nation. Proverbs states that righteousness exalts a nation, while White argues that temperance and virtue, instilled through proper upbringing, are essential to combatting the 'inflowing tide of evil' and the curse of inebriety.
"Even from the viewpoint of financial results, the outlay required for manual training would prove the truest economy. Multitudes of our boys would thus be kept from the street corner and the groggery; the expenditure for gardens, workshops, and baths would be more than met by the saving on hospitals and reformatories. And the youth themselves, trained to habits of industry, and skilled in lines of useful and productive labor—who can estimate their value to society and to the nation? Ed 218.4"
Both passages connect positive societal outcomes with righteous behavior or, in EGW's case, practical training and industry. Proverbs links righteousness to national exaltation, while EGW links industrial training to societal benefits and reduced costs for negative consequences. The connection is thematic and meaningful.