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 15:1
"A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger."
"Love's agencies have wonderful power, for they are divine. The soft answer that “turneth away wrath,” the love that “suffereth long, and is kind,” the charity that “covereth a multitude of sins” ( Proverbs 15:1 ; 1 Corinthians 13:4 , R.V.; 1 Peter 4:8 , R.V.)—would we learn the lesson, with what power for healing would our lives be gifted! How life would be transformed, and the earth become a very likeness and foretaste of heaven! Ed 114.1"
Ellen White directly references Proverbs 15:1 in this passage.
"away wrath.” Proverbs 15:1 . And there is wonderful power in silence. Words spoken in reply to one who is angry sometimes serve only to exasperate. But anger met with silence, in a tender, forbearing spirit, quickly dies away. MH 486.1"
Ellen White directly references Proverbs 15:1 in this passage.
"The spirit of jealousy might easily have been fanned into a quarrel that would have caused strife and bloodshed; but Gideon's modest answer soothed the anger of the men of Ephraim, and they returned in peace to their homes. Firm and uncompromising where principle was concerned, and in war a “mighty man of valor,” Gideon displayed also a spirit of courtesy that is rarely witnessed. PP 555.3"
The EGW passage illustrates the principle of Proverbs 15:1, showing how Gideon's soft answer diffused a potentially explosive situation. The connection is clear and meaningful.
Dr. B is highly sensitive and naturally of a quick, impulsive temper. He moves too much upon the spur of the moment. He has made efforts to correct his hasty spirit and to overcome his deficiencies, but he has a still greater effort to make. If he sees things moving wrong he is in too great haste to tell the ones in error what he thinks, and he does not always use the most appropriate words for the occasion. He sometimes so offends patients that they hate him and leave the Institute with hard feelings, to the detriment of both themselves and the Institute. It seldom does any good to talk in a censuring manner to patients who are diseased in body and mind. But few who have moved in the society of the world, and who view things from a worldling's standpoint, are prepared to have a statement of facts in regard to themselves presented before them. The truth even is not to be spoken at all times. There is a fit time and opportunity to speak when words will not offend. The physicians should …
The EGW passage directly quotes and applies the principle of Proverbs 15:1, making the connection explicit.
Whenever possible, this crisis should be avoided; for it means a severe struggle for both mother and child. But once such a crisis is entered into, the child must be led to yield its will to the wiser will of the parent. 7T 47.5 The mother should keep herself under perfect control, doing nothing that will arouse in the child a spirit of defiance. She is to give no loud-voiced commands. She will gain much by keeping the voice low and gentle. She is to deal with the child in a way that will draw him to Jesus. She is to realize that God is her Helper; love, her power. If she is a wise Christian she does not attempt to force the child to submit. She prays earnestly that the enemy shall not obtain the victory, and, as she prays, she is conscious of a renewal of spiritual life. She sees that the same power that is working in her is working also in the child. He becomes more gentle, more submissive. The battle is won. Her patience, her kindness, her words of wise restraint, have done their wo…
EGW's advice on dealing with a child's defiance directly reflects the principle of using gentle words to avoid anger, as stated in Proverbs 15:1.
Present Truth with Gentleness The truth should be presented with divine tact, gentleness, and tenderness. It should come from a heart that has been softened and made sympathetic. We need to have close communion with God, lest self rise up, as it did in Jehu, and we pour forth a torrent of words that are unbefitting, that are not as dew or as the still showers that revive the withering plants. Let our words be gentle as we seek to win souls. God will be wisdom to him who seeks for wisdom from a divine source. We are to seek opportunities on every hand, we are to watch unto prayer, and be ready always to give a reason for the hope that is in us, with meekness and fear. Lest we shall impress unfavorably one soul for whom Christ died we should keep our hearts uplifted to God, so that when the opportunity presents itself, we may have the right word to speak at the right time. If you thus undertake work for God, the Spirit of God will be your helper. The Holy Spirit will apply the word spoke…
While not a direct quote, the EGW passage echoes the sentiment of Proverbs 15:1, emphasizing the importance of gentleness and a soft answer in winning souls and avoiding conflict.
"By entering into their feelings and directing their amusements and employments, the mother will gain the confidence of her children, and she can the more effectually correct wrong habits, or check the manifestations of selfishness or passion. A word of caution or reproof spoken at the right time will be of great value. By patient, watchful love, she can turn the minds of the children in the right direction, cultivating in them beautiful and attractive traits of character. MH 389.1"
The EGW passage provides practical advice on how to correct children's behavior, echoing the principle of Proverbs 15:1 about the power of gentle words.
"Upon whom rests this great sin? If home had been made attractive, if the parents had manifested affection for their children, and with kindness found employment for them, and in love instructed them how to obey their wishes, they would have touched an answering chord in their hearts, and willing feet and hands and hearts would all have readily obeyed them. By controlling themselves, and speaking kindly, and praising the children when they try to do right, parents may encourage their efforts, make them very happy, and throw over the family circle a charm which will chase away every dark shadow and bring cheerful sunlight in. 1T 385.1"
Both passages emphasize the power of gentle and kind words in interpersonal relationships, particularly within the family. The proverb speaks directly to the effect of a 'soft answer,' while EGW elaborates on the positive impact of kindness and praise in the home.
"Again and again has the educator of youth carried into the school-room the shadow of darkness which has been gathering upon his soul. He has been overtaxed, and is nervous; or dyspepsia has colored everything a gloomy hue. He enters the school-room with quivering nerve and irritated stomach. Nothing seems to be done to please him, he thinks that his scholars are bent upon showing him disrespect, and his sharp criticisms and censures are given on the right hand and on the left. CE 26.1"
The EGW passage describes a teacher's negative attitude affecting the classroom, which aligns with the principle of Proverbs 15:1 about the power of gentle words to diffuse anger. The connection is thematic, focusing on the impact of one's demeanor on others.
Proverbs 15:7
"The lips of the wise disperse knowledge: but the heart of the foolish doeth not so."
"O that in later years Solomon had heeded these wonderful words of wisdom! O that he who had declared, “The lips of the wise disperse knowledge” ( Proverbs 15:7 ), and who had himself taught the kings of the earth to render to the King of kings the praise they desired to give to an earthly ruler, had never with a “froward mouth,” in “pride and arrogancy,” taken to himself the glory due to God alone! PK 34.3"
Ellen White directly references Proverbs 15:7 in this passage.
Proverbs 15:8
"The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination to the Lord: but the prayer of the upright is his delight."
"Prayer is the opening of the heart to God as to a friend. The eye of faith will discern God very near, and the suppliant may obtain precious evidence of the divine love and care for him. The prayer that Nathanael offered came from a sincere heart, and it was heard and answered by the Master. The Lord reads the hearts of all, and “the prayer of the upright is His delight.” [ Proverbs 15:8 .] He will not be slow to hear those who open their hearts to Him, not exalting self, but sincerely feeling their weakness and unworthiness. GW 257.1"
Ellen White directly references Proverbs 15:8 in this passage.
"Communion with God imparts to the soul an intimate knowledge of His will. But many who profess the faith know not what true conversion is. They have no experience in communion with the Father through Jesus Christ, and have never felt the power of divine grace to sanctify the heart. Praying and sinning, sinning and praying, their lives are full of malice, deceit, envy, jealousy, and self-love. The prayers of this class are an abomination to God. True prayer engages the energies of the soul and affects the life. He who thus pours out his wants before God feels the emptiness of everything else under heaven. “All my desire is before Thee,” said David, “and my groaning is not hid from Thee.” “My soul thirsteth for God, for the living God: when shall I come and appear before God?” “When I remember these things, I pour out my soul in me.” 4T 534.4"
Both passages contrast the prayers of the wicked with the prayers of the righteous, and state that the former are an abomination to God.
Proverbs 15:10
"Correction is grievous unto him that forsaketh the way: and he that hateth reproof shall die."
"bearing a testimony of reproof for several who were using tobacco, also for Brother Ball, who had been strengthening the hands of our enemies by holding the visions up to ridicule, and publishing bitter things against us in the Crisis , of Boston, and in the Hope of Israel , a paper issued in Iowa. The meeting for the evening was appointed at Brother Farnsworth's. The church was present, and your father there requested Brother Ball to state his objections to the visions and give an opportunity to answer them. Thus the evening was spent. Brother Ball manifested much stiffness and opposition; he admitted himself satisfied upon some points, but held his position quite firmly. Brother Andrews and your father talked plainly, explaining matters which he had misunderstood, and condemning his unrighteous course toward the Sabbathkeeping Adventists. We all felt that we had done the best we could that day to weaken the forces of the enemy. Our meeting held until past ten. 1T 655.1"
The EGW passage describes reproof being given and resistance to it. Proverbs 15:10 speaks of the consequences of hating reproof. The connection is thematic and relevant.
Proverbs 15:13
"A merry heart maketh a cheerful countenance: but by sorrow of the heart the spirit is broken."
"cannot endure as much. Let your pleasant, cheerful words ever be like sunbeams in your family. The fruits of self-control, thoughtfulness, and painstaking on your part will be a hundredfold. Parents have no right to bring a gloomy cloud over the happiness of their children by faultfinding or severe censure for trifling mistakes. Actual wrong and sin should be made to appear just as sinful as it is, and a firm, decided course should be pursued to prevent its recurrence. Children should be impressed with a sense of their wrongs, yet they should not be left in a hopeless state of mind, but with a degree of courage that they can improve and gain your confidence and approval. 1T 401.1"
Both passages discuss the impact of a cheerful or sorrowful disposition, particularly within a family context. EGW's emphasis on 'cheerful words' and avoiding a 'gloomy cloud' directly echoes the sentiment of Proverbs 15:13.
"You belong to a family who possess minds not well balanced, gloomy and depressed, affected by surroundings, and susceptible to influences. Unless you cultivate a cheerful, happy, grateful frame of mind, Satan will eventually lead you captive at his will. You can be a help, a strength to the church where you reside, if you will obey the instructions of the Lord and not move by feeling, but be controlled by principle. Never allow censure to escape your lips, for it is like desolating hail to those around you. Let cheerful, happy, loving words fall from your lips. 1T 704.1"
Both passages connect a cheerful heart with a positive outward expression and a sorrowful heart with a negative impact. The EGW passage expands on the practical implications of cultivating a cheerful mindset.
"At length the sorrow that burdened the patriot's heart could no longer be concealed. Sleepless nights and care-filled days left their trace upon his countenance. The king, jealous for his own safety, was accustomed to read countenances and to penetrate disguises, and he saw that some secret trouble was preying upon his cupbearer. “Why is thy countenance sad,” he inquired, “seeing thou art not sick? this is nothing else but sorrow of heart.” PK 630.2"
The EGW passage directly quotes and elaborates on the sentiment expressed in Proverbs 15:13, making it an explicit allusion rather than just a thematic parallel.
Proverbs 15:17
"Better is a dinner of herbs where love is, than a stalled ox and hatred therewith."
"Home should be a place where cheerfulness, courtesy, and love abide; and where these graces dwell, there will abide happiness and peace. Troubles may invade, but these are the lot of humanity. Let patience, gratitude, and love keep sunshine in the heart, though the day may be ever so cloudy. In such homes angels of God abide. MH 393.2"
Both passages highlight the importance of love and positive attitudes over material wealth or comfort. The EGW passage describes a home filled with cheerfulness, courtesy, and love, while Proverbs 15:17 contrasts a simple meal with love to a rich meal with hatred. The connection is strong and reinforces the value of love and harmony in the home.
"Better than gold is a peaceful home, Where all the fireside charities come; The shrine of love and the heaven of life, Hallowed by mother, or sister, or wife. However humble the home may be, Or tried with sorrows by heaven's decree, The blessings that never were bought or sold, And center there, are better than gold. Anon. MH 362.4"
The passage emphasizes the value of a peaceful home over material wealth, which aligns with the sentiment in Proverbs 15:17 that a dinner of herbs where love is is better than a stalled ox and hatred therewith.
Proverbs 15:18
"A wrathful man stirreth up strife: but he that is slow to anger appeaseth strife."
"The Care of Infants The more quiet and simple the life of the child, the more favorable it will be to both physical and mental development. At all times the mother should endeavor to be quiet, calm, and self-possessed. Many infants are extremely susceptible to nervous excitement, and the mother's gentle, unhurried manner will have a soothing influence that will be of untold benefit to the child. MH 381"
EGW's advice for mothers to be calm and self-possessed to avoid exciting infants parallels the general principle in Proverbs 15:18 that a calm demeanor can prevent strife. The connection is thematic, highlighting the positive impact of a peaceful disposition.
Proverbs 15:22
"Without counsel purposes are disappointed: but in the multitude of counsellors they are established."
"In your last two discussions you despised counsel and would not listen to God's servant, whose whole soul was devoted to the work. God in His providence provided you an adviser whose talents and influence entitled him to your respect and confidence, and it could in no way have injured your dignity to be guided by his experienced judgment. God's angels marked your self-sufficiency and with grief turned from you. He could not safely display His power in your behalf, for you would have taken the glory to yourself, and your future labors would have been of but little value. I saw, Brother F, that you should not, in your labors, lean upon your own judgment, which has so often led you astray. You should yield to the judgment of those of experience. Do not stand upon your own dignity and feel so self-sufficient that you cannot take the advice and counsel of experienced fellow laborers. 1T 626.2"
The EGW passage directly echoes the principle of seeking counsel from experienced individuals, as highlighted in Proverbs 15:22. The proverb emphasizes the importance of multiple counselors for establishing purposes, while EGW stresses yielding to the judgment of experienced individuals to avoid being led astray by one's own judgment.
"“My brethren, open up the work intelligently. Let every point be carefully and prayerfully considered. After much prayer and frequent consultation together, act in accordance with the best judgment of all. Let each worker sustain the other. Do not fail or become discouraged. Keep your perceptive faculties keen and clear by learning constantly of Christ, the Teacher who cannot err.” The Review and Herald, August 11, 1903 . LS 392.4"
Both passages emphasize the importance of seeking counsel and working together for success. The EGW quote expands on this by adding prayer and discernment.
"Those who believe the truth should practice economy, live upon plain, wholesome food, always making it a rule to live within their means. Brethren should never engage in new enterprises without consulting those of experience who are good managers in temporal and spiritual matters. By doing this they would save themselves much perplexity. 1T 455.2"
The EGW passage directly echoes the principle in Proverbs 15:22 about seeking counsel before starting new ventures. Both emphasize the value of consulting with experienced individuals to ensure success and avoid disappointment.
"I was shown that Dr. B was a cautious and strictly conscientious man, a man whom God loves. He has passed through many trials which have worked for his good, although while passing through them he could not at all times see how he was to be benefited by them. Dr. B is not a man who will become exalted while he believes the truth and follows in its path. He is not a man who will be arbitrary or overbearing. He is too fearful of putting on that dignity which his position would allow him to maintain. He will counsel with others and is easy to be entreated; his great danger will be a willingness to take on burdens which he ought not to bear. He sees and feels what ought to be done, and will be in danger of doing too much. He is extremely sensitive and sympathetic, and will feel to the very depth for all his patients; and if he is permitted, will carry so heavy a load of responsibility as to be crushed under its weight. 1T 491.1"
The EGW passage highlights Dr. B's tendency to seek counsel from others. This directly reflects the principle in Proverbs 15:22 about the importance of counsel for establishing purposes.
Proverbs 15:23
"A man hath joy by the answer of his mouth: and a word spoken in due season, how good is it!"
"tones of the voice have much to do in affecting the hearts of those that hear. 2T 615.1"
Both passages discuss the importance of the tone of voice in communication and its effect on the listener. Proverbs speaks of the joy brought by a well-timed word, while EGW emphasizes the impact of vocal tones on the hearts of hearers.
"Upon every family, upon every individual Christian, is laid the duty of barring the way against corrupt speech. When in the company of those who indulge in foolish talk, it is our duty to change the subject of conversation if possible. By the help of the grace of God we should quietly drop words or introduce a subject that will turn the conversation into a profitable channel. COL 337.3"
Both passages address the power of words. Proverbs 15:23 highlights the positive impact of well-timed words, while EGW discusses steering conversations towards profitable channels. The shared theme is the importance and influence of speech.
"The book is written in clear, simple, beautiful language, instructive to the learner, hopeful to the despondent, cheering to the sick, and restful to the weary. Through several decades it has conveyed its helpful message to hundreds of thousands, as it has been issued and reissued in many lands, in a dozen of the world's leading languages. MH 8.1"
Both passages highlight the positive impact of words. Proverbs 15:23 speaks of the joy and goodness of timely words, while the EGW passage describes the book's ability to bring hope, cheer, and rest. The connection is thematic, focusing on the power of communication.
"“I have every reason to praise my heavenly Father for the clearness of thought that He has given me in regard to Bible subjects. I long to bring out these precious things, so that the minds of ministers and people may, if possible, be drawn away from contention and strife to something that is nourishing to the soul,—food that will give health, hopefulness, and courage.... LS 432.4"
Both passages deal with the positive impact of words, but the connection is somewhat general. The EGW passage focuses on the benefit of clear thought and nourishing content, while the proverb highlights the joy of timely and appropriate speech. The link is thematic, but not strong.
Proverbs 15:30
"The light of the eyes rejoiceth the heart: and a good report maketh the bones fat."
"If we would have our homes the abiding place of health and happiness we must place them above the miasma and fog of the lowlands, and give free entrance to heaven's life-giving agencies. Dispense with heavy curtains, open the windows and the blinds, allow no vines, however beautiful, to shade the windows, and permit no trees to stand so near the house as to shut out the sunshine. The sunlight may fade the drapery and the carpets, and tarnish the picture frames; but it will bring a healthy glow to the cheeks of the children. MH 275.3"
Both passages connect light (sunlight in EGW, 'light of the eyes' in Proverbs) with positive effects on health and well-being. The EGW quote expands on the practical application of this principle in the home, while Proverbs offers a more general observation. The connection is valid.
Proverbs 15:31
"The ear that heareth the reproof of life abideth among the wise."
"them know that it is not pleasing. They must repulse this forwardness even if they are thought to be rude. Such things should be rebuked in order to save the cause from reproach. Young women who have been converted to the truth and to God will listen to reproof and will be reformed. 1T 381.1"
Both passages connect listening to reproof with wisdom and a positive outcome. The EGW passage speaks of converted young women listening to reproof and being reformed, while Proverbs speaks of the wise abiding with reproof. This is a thematic parallel.
Proverbs 15:32
"He that refuseth instruction despiseth his own soul: but he that heareth reproof getteth understanding."
"He has rejected the counsel and advice of his brethren, gone on in his own strength, followed his own will, and has rejected every means whereby he could be corrected. When he has been reproved, the manner or the person has not suited him, and the way for reform has been closed up. The Lord has not accepted his labors for some length of time. He has labored much more for his own interest than for the interest of the cause. 1T 228.1"
Both passages address the consequences of rejecting instruction and reproof. The EGW passage elaborates on the practical implications of this rejection, aligning with the principle stated in Proverbs.
Proverbs 15:33
"The fear of the Lord is the instruction of wisdom; and before honour is humility."
The leader whom God chose to overthrow the Midianites occupied no prominent position in Israel. He was not a ruler, a priest, or a Levite. He thought himself the least in his father's house. But God saw in him a man of courage and integrity. He was distrustful of himself and willing to follow the guidance of the Lord. God does not always choose for His work men of the greatest talents, but He selects those whom He can best use. “Before honor is humility.” Proverbs 15:33 . The Lord can work most effectually through those who are most sensible of their own insufficiency, and who will rely upon Him as their leader and source of strength. He will make them strong by uniting their weakness to His might, and wise by connecting their ignorance with His wisdom. PP 553.2 If they would cherish true humility, the Lord could do much more for His people; but there are few who can be trusted with any large measure of responsibility or success without becoming self-confident and forgetful of their de…
Ellen White directly references Proverbs 15:33 in this passage.
"Before honor is humility. To fill a high place before men, Heaven chooses the worker who, like John the Baptist, takes a lowly place before God. The most childlike disciple is the most efficient in labor for God. The heavenly intelligences can co-operate with him who is seeking, not to exalt self, but to save souls. He who feels most deeply his need of divine aid will plead for it; and the Holy Spirit will give unto him glimpses of Jesus that will strengthen and uplift the soul. From communion with Christ he will go forth to work for those who are perishing in their sins. He is anointed for his mission; and he succeeds where many of the learned and intellectually wise would fail. DA 436.3"
The EGW passage directly quotes the principle 'Before honor is humility' and expands upon it, making a clear connection to Proverbs 15:33.