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 17:1
"Better is a dry morsel, and quietness therewith, than an house full of sacrifices with strife."
"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 17:1 that a dry morsel, and quietness therewith, is better than an house full of sacrifices with strife.
Proverbs 17:5
"Whoso mocketh the poor reproacheth his Maker: and he that is glad at calamities shall not be unpunished."
"I wish that we might all see as God sees. I wish all could realize how God looks upon those men who profess to be followers of Christ, who have the blessing of sight and the advantage of means in their favor, and who yet envy the little prosperity enjoyed by a poor blind man and would benefit themselves, increase their stock of means, at the disadvantage of their afflicted brother. This is regarded of God as the most criminal selfishness and robbery, and is an aggravating sin, which He will surely punish. God never forgets. He does not look upon these things with human eyes and with cold, unfeeling, human judgment. He views things, not from the worldling's standpoint, but from the standpoint of mercy, pity, and infinite love. 3T 514.2"
Both passages address the idea that mistreating or taking advantage of the poor is a serious offense in God's eyes and will be punished. The EGW passage expands on this by emphasizing God's perspective of mercy and pity.
Proverbs 17:9
"He that covereth a transgression seeketh love; but he that repeateth a matter separateth very friends."
"Sister P should be guarded so as not to stir up the hasty spirit of her husband by relating her supposed grievances to him to obtain sympathy. He views things in a strong light and feels deeply over matters which are not worthy of notice. She will have to learn this and understand that it is wisdom to be silent. She needs the power of endurance. It is much easier to throw a thing into the mind than to get it out when once it is there. It is easier to dwell upon a supposed wrong than to pacify or control the feelings when once aroused. 2T 430.2"
The proverb warns against repeating matters that cause division, while the EGW passage applies this principle to a specific marital situation, advising silence to avoid stirring up conflict.
Proverbs 17:17
"A friend loveth at all times, and a brother is born for adversity."
"In David's prosperity Shimei had not shown by word or act that he was not a loyal subject. But in the affliction of the king this Benjamite revealed his true character. He had honored David upon his throne, but he cursed him in his humiliation. Base and selfish, he looked upon others as of the same character as himself, and, inspired by Satan, he wreaked his hatred upon him whom God had chastened. The spirit that leads man to triumph over, to revile or distress, one who is in affliction is the spirit of Satan. PP 736.2"
The EGW passage illustrates the principle of true friendship being evident in adversity, contrasting Shimei's behavior with the ideal described in Proverbs 17:17. It's a thematic parallel where the EGW passage provides a specific example of the proverb's principle.
Proverbs 17:22
"A merry heart doeth good like a medicine: but a broken spirit drieth the bones."
"There is a physiological truth—truth that we need to consider—in the scripture, “A merry [rejoicing] heart doeth good like a medicine.” Proverbs 17:22 . Ed 197.3"
EGW directly quotes Proverbs 17:22.
"Rejoicing “A merry [rejoicing] heart doeth good like a medicine.” Proverbs 17:22 . Gratitude, rejoicing, benevolence, trust in God's love and care—these are health's greatest safeguard. To the Israelites they were to be the very keynote of life. MH 281"
Ellen White directly references Proverbs 17:22 in this passage.
"Courage, hope, faith, sympathy, love, promote health and prolong life. A contented mind, a cheerful spirit, is health to the body and strength to the soul. “A merry [rejoicing] heart doeth good like a medicine.” Proverbs 17:22 . MH 241.3"
Ellen White directly references Proverbs 17:22 in this passage.
"Those who have broken down from mental labor should have rest from wearing thought; but they should not be led to believe that it is dangerous to use their mental powers at all. Many are inclined to regard their condition as worse than it really is. This state of mind is unfavorable to recovery, and should not be encouraged. MH 238.3"
Both passages discuss the impact of mental state on physical health. Proverbs 17:22 speaks of a merry heart as medicine and a broken spirit as detrimental, while the EGW passage discusses the negative impact of negative mental states on recovery. The connection is strong and relevant.
"Chapter 18—Mind Cure The relation that exists between the mind and the body is very intimate. When one is affected, the other sympathizes. The condition of the mind affects the health to a far greater degree than many realize. Many of the diseases from which men suffer are the result of mental depression. Grief, anxiety, discontent, remorse, guilt, distrust, all tend to break down the life forces and to invite decay and death. MH 241"
Both passages highlight the connection between mental and physical health. The EGW passage elaborates on how negative emotions can lead to disease, while Proverbs 17:22 contrasts a merry heart with a broken spirit. The connection is strong and relevant.
"In the treatment of the sick the effect of mental influence should not be overlooked. Rightly used, this influence affords one of the most effective agencies for combating disease. MH 241.4"
EGW directly applies the principle of Proverbs 17:22 (a merry heart is like medicine) to the treatment of the sick, emphasizing the importance of mental influence in combating disease. This is a clear and direct application of the proverb's principle.
"The influence of the mind on the body, as well as of the body on the mind, should be emphasized. The electric power of the brain, promoted by mental activity, vitalizes the whole system, and is thus an invaluable aid in resisting disease. This should be made plain. The power of the will and the importance of self-control, both in the preservation and in the recovery of health, the depressing and even ruinous effect of anger, discontent, selfishness, or impurity, and, on the other hand, the marvelous life-giving power to be found in cheerfulness, unselfishness, gratitude, should also be shown. Ed 197.2"
EGW's statement about cheerfulness and its life-giving power is a clear allusion to Proverbs 17:22, which states that a merry heart is like medicine.
"Let her keep cheerful and buoyant. Instead of spending every moment in endless sewing, make the evening a pleasant social season, a family reunion after the day's duties. Many a man would thus be led to choose the society of his home before that of the clubhouse or the saloon. Many a boy would be kept from the street or the corner grocery. Many a girl would be saved from frivolous, misleading associations. The influence of the home would be to parents and children what God designed it should be, a lifelong blessing. MH 294.2"
Both passages highlight the importance of a positive and joyful atmosphere for well-being. The EGW passage suggests creating a pleasant home environment, while Proverbs speaks of a merry heart. The connection lies in the idea that a positive emotional state contributes to overall health and a better life.
"Dr. E has made a great mistake in regard to exercise and amusements, and a still greater in his teaching concerning religious experience and religious excitement. The religion of the Bible is not detrimental to the health of body or mind. The exalting influence of the Spirit of God is the best restorative for the sick. Heaven is all health, and the more fully the heavenly influences are felt the more sure the recovery of the believing invalid. The influence of such views as are advanced by Dr. E has reached us as a people in some degree. Sabbathkeeping health reformers must be free from all these. Every true and real reform will bring us nearer to God and heaven, closer to the side of Jesus, and increase our knowledge of spiritual things and deepen in us the holiness of Christian experience. 1T 556.2"
Both passages discuss the connection between mental/emotional state and physical health. EGW's statement that 'The religion of the Bible is not detrimental to the health of body or mind' aligns with the idea in Proverbs 17:22 that a merry heart is beneficial to health.
"Let invalids do something instead of occupying their minds with a simple play, which lowers them in their own estimation and leads them to think their lives useless. Keep the power of the will awake, for the will aroused and rightly directed is a potent soother of the nerves. Invalids are far happier to be employed, and their recovery is more easily effected. 1T 557.1"
Both passages connect mental/emotional state with physical health. Proverbs speaks of a merry heart as medicine, while EGW speaks of the will being a 'potent soother of the nerves' and employment aiding recovery.
"“The assurance of God's approval will promote physical health. It fortifies the soul against doubt, perplexity, and excessive grief, that so often sap the vital forces and induce nervous diseases of a most debilitating and distressing character. The Lord has pledged His unfailing word that His eye shall be over the righteous, and His ear open to their prayer.... LS 270.4"
Both passages link a positive mental/spiritual state (assurance of God's approval/merry heart) with physical health. EGW elaborates on the negative effects of doubt and grief, while Proverbs focuses on the contrasting effect of a broken spirit. The connection is strong and thematic.
"Thus an insufficient supply of oxygen is received. The blood moves sluggishly. The waste, poisonous matter, which should be thrown off in the exhalations from the lungs, is retained, and the blood becomes impure. Not only the lungs, but the stomach, liver, and brain are affected. The skin becomes sallow, digestion is retarded; the heart is depressed; the brain is clouded; the thoughts are confused; gloom settles upon the spirits; the whole system becomes depressed and inactive, and peculiarly susceptible to disease. MH 273.1"
Both passages discuss the connection between mental/emotional state and physical health. The EGW passage elaborates on the physical consequences of a 'broken spirit' or negative emotional state, aligning with the proverb's sentiment.
"his heart, and the spiritual health that comes to him is used as the helping hand of God in restoring the health of the body. MH 120.2"
Both passages connect emotional/spiritual state with physical health. EGW expands on the principle of a merry heart being like medicine.
"A multitude of women are nervous and careworn because they deprive themselves of the pure air that would make pure blood, and of the freedom of motion that would send the blood bounding through the veins, giving life, health, and energy. Many women have become confirmed invalids when they might have enjoyed health, and many have died of consumption and other diseases when they might have lived their allotted term of life had they dressed in accordance with health principles and exercised freely in the open air. MH 293.2"
Both passages connect emotional/mental state (air, freedom of motion vs. merry heart) with physical health. The EGW passage speaks of pure air and freedom of motion leading to health, while Proverbs speaks of a merry heart being like medicine. There's a clear parallel in the idea that one's disposition affects physical well-being.
"The brethren in the office feel that they cannot leave the work for a few days for a change, for recreation; but this is a mistake. They can and should do so. Even if there were not as much accomplished, it would be better to leave for a few days than to be prostrated by disease and be separated from the work for months, and perhaps never be able to engage in it again. 1T 519.1"
The EGW passage advocates for rest and recreation to avoid burnout, which aligns with the principle in Proverbs 17:22 that a cheerful disposition (resulting from rest and recreation) is beneficial for health and well-being.
"Physicians and nurses should encourage their patients to be much in the open air. Outdoor life is the only remedy that many invalids need. It has a wonderful power to heal diseases caused by the excitements and excesses of fashionable life, a life that weakens and destroys the powers of body, mind, and soul. MH 264.1"
The EGW passage advocates for outdoor life as a remedy for ailments, while Proverbs 17:22 speaks of the healing power of a merry heart. Both passages connect emotional/spiritual state with physical health, although the specific remedies differ.
"an atmosphere that brings health to the body, vigor to the intellect, and joy to the soul. 6T 306.1"
Both passages connect a positive mental/spiritual state with physical health. Proverbs 17:22 speaks of a merry heart as medicine, while EGW speaks of an atmosphere bringing health to the body, vigor to the intellect, and joy to the soul. The thematic link is strong.
If your mind is impressed and fixed that a bath will injure you, the mental impression is communicated to all the nerves of the body. The nerves control the circulation of the blood; therefore the blood is, through the impression of the mind, confined to the blood vessels, and the good effects of the bath are lost. All this is because the blood is prevented by the mind and will from flowing readily, and from coming to the surface to stimulate, arouse, and promote the circulation. For instance, you are impressed that if you bathe you will become chilly. The brain sends this intelligence to the nerves of the body, and the blood vessels, held in obedience to your will, cannot perform their office and cause a reaction after the bath. There is no reason in science or philosophy why an occasional bath, taken with studious care, should do you anything but real good. Especially is this the case where there is but little exercise to keep the muscles in action and to aid the circulation of the b…
Both passages discuss the impact of mental state on physical health. Proverbs speaks of a merry heart as medicine, while EGW describes how negative thoughts can hinder the benefits of a bath. The connection is thematic and relevant.
"he takes but little exercise in the open air, does himself an injury. A proportionate exercise of the various organs and faculties of the body is essential to the best work of each. When the brain is constantly taxed while the other organs are left inactive, there is a loss of physical and mental strength. The physical powers are robbed of their healthy tone, the mind loses its freshness and vigor, and a morbid excitability is the result. CT 295.2"
Both passages connect physical and mental well-being. While Proverbs focuses on the emotional aspect ('merry heart'), EGW discusses the impact of physical activity on mental freshness and vigor. There's a clear thematic overlap regarding the interconnectedness of mind and body.
"When invalids have nothing to occupy their time and attention, their thoughts become centered upon themselves, and they grow morbid and irritable. Many times they dwell upon their bad feelings until they think themselves much worse than they really are and wholly unable to do anything. MH 239.1"
The EGW quote describes the negative effects of inactivity and self-absorption on invalids, leading to a morbid and irritable state. This aligns with the sentiment in Proverbs 17:22, which contrasts a merry heart with a broken spirit and its detrimental effects. Both passages highlight the connection between mental/emotional state and physical well-being.
Sister C has a diseased imagination. She has secluded herself from the air until she cannot endure it without inconvenience. The heat of her room is very injurious to health. Her circulation is depressed. She has lived in the hot air so much that she cannot endure the exposure of a ride out of doors without realizing a change. Her poor health is owing somewhat to the exclusion of air, and she has become so tender that she cannot have air without making her sick. If she continues to indulge this diseased imagination, she will be able to bear scarcely a breath of air. She ought to have the windows lowered in her room all through the day, that there may be a circulation of air. God is not pleased with her for thus murdering herself. It is unnecessary. She has become thus sensitive through indulging a diseased mind. Air she needs, air she must have. She is destroying not only her own vitality, but that of her husband and daughter, and of all who visit her. The air in her room is decidedly …
Both passages connect mental/emotional state with physical health. EGW speaks of a 'diseased imagination' leading to physical problems, while Proverbs 17:22 contrasts a merry heart with a broken spirit and their respective effects on the body. The connection is thematic, not direct.
"A multitude of women are nervous and careworn because they deprive themselves of the pure air that would make pure blood, and of the freedom of motion that would send the blood bounding through the veins, giving life, health, and energy. Many women have become confirmed invalids when they might have enjoyed health, and many have died of consumption and other diseases when they might have lived their allotted term of life, had they dressed in accordance with health principles and exercised freely in the open air. CT 306.1"
The proverb speaks of the connection between emotional state and physical health. EGW's statement about the importance of fresh air and exercise for health echoes this theme of the connection between lifestyle and physical well-being.
Air, air, the precious boon of heaven which all may have, will bless you with its invigorating influence if you will not refuse it entrance. Welcome it, cultivate a love for it, and it will prove a precious soother of the nerves. Air must be in constant circulation to be kept pure. The influence of pure, fresh air is to cause the blood to circulate healthfully through the system. It refreshes the body and tends to render it strong and healthy, while at the same time its influence is decidedly felt upon the mind, imparting a degree of composure and serenity. It excites the appetite, and renders the digestion of food more perfect, and induces sound and sweet sleep. 1T 702.2 The effects produced by living in close, ill-ventilated rooms are these: The system becomes weak and unhealthy, the circulation is depressed, the blood moves sluggishly through the system because it is not purified and vitalized by the pure, invigorating air of heaven. The mind becomes depressed and gloomy, while the …
Both passages connect physical and mental well-being. The EGW passage discusses the impact of fresh air on the body and mind, while Proverbs 17:22 speaks of the connection between a merry heart and physical health. The connection is thematic.
Proverbs 17:25
"A foolish son is a grief to his father, and bitterness to her that bare him."
"I saw that many souls might be saved if the young were where they ought to be, devoted to God and to the truth; but they generally occupy a position where constant labor must be bestowed upon them , or they will become of the world themselves. They are a source of constant anxiety and heartache. Tears flow on their account, and agonizing prayers are wrung from the hearts of parents in their behalf. Yet they move on, reckless of the pain which their course of action causes. They plant thorns in the breasts of those who would die to save them and have them become what God designed they should through the merits of the blood of Christ. 1T 512.2"
Both passages discuss the pain and grief that foolish or wayward children can cause their parents. The EGW passage elaborates on the emotional distress and prayers of parents, echoing the sentiment in Proverbs 17:25.
Proverbs 17:27
"He that hath knowledge spareth his words: and a man of understanding is of an excellent spirit."
"“A talebearer revealeth secrets: therefore meddle not with him that flattereth with his lips.” Proverbs 20:19 . Ed 135.5 “He that hath knowledge spareth his words;” but “every fool will be meddling.” Proverbs 17:27 ; 20:3 . Ed 135.6"
Ellen White directly references Proverbs 17:27 in this passage.