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 19:2
"Also, that the soul be without knowledge, it is not good; and he that hasteth with his feet sinneth."
"In no conference should propositions be rushed through without time being taken by the brethren to weigh carefully all sides of the question. Because the president of a conference suggested certain plans, it has sometimes been considered unnecessary to consult the Lord about them. Thus propositions have been accepted that were not for the spiritual benefit of the believers and that involved far more than was apparent at the first casual consideration. Such movements are not in the order of God. Many, very many matters have been taken up and carried by vote, that have involved far more than was anticipated and far more than those who voted would have been willing to assent to had they taken time to consider the question from all sides. 9T 278.1"
Both passages address the importance of careful consideration and avoiding hasty decisions. Proverbs 19:2 warns against acting without knowledge, while the EGW passage applies this principle to decision-making within church conferences. The connection is valid, though not a direct quote or explicit allusion.
"Some who labor in the canvassing field have a zeal that is not according to knowledge. Because of their lack of wisdom, because they have been so much inclined to act the minister and theologian, it has been almost a necessity to place restrictions upon our canvassers. When the Lord's voice calls, “Whom shall I send, and who will go for Us?” the Divine Spirit puts it into hearts to respond: “Here am I; send me.” Isaiah 6:8 . But bear in mind that the live coal from the altar must first touch your lips. Then the words you speak will be wise and holy words. Then you will have wisdom to know what to say and what to leave unsaid. You will not try to reveal your smartness as theologians. You will be careful not to arouse a combative spirit or excite prejudice by introducing controverted points of doctrine. You will find enough to talk about that will not excite opposition, but that will open the heart to desire a deeper knowledge of God's word. 6T 324.4"
Both passages address the importance of knowledge and wisdom. EGW speaks of zeal not according to knowledge, while Proverbs 19:2 states that a soul without knowledge is not good.
Proverbs 19:5
"A false witness shall not be unpunished, and he that speaketh lies shall not escape."
"There are those who will question God's love and His justice in visiting so severe punishment for words spoken in the heat of passion. But both love and justice require it to be shown that utterances prompted by malice against God are a great sin. The retribution visited upon the first offender would be a warning to others, that God's name is to be held in reverence. But had this man's sin been permitted to pass unpunished, others would have been demoralized; and as the result many lives must eventually have been sacrificed. PP 408.2"
Both passages deal with the consequences of wrongdoing. Proverbs 19:5 speaks of the punishment for false witness, while the EGW passage discusses the punishment for blasphemy. The common theme is that sin will be punished.
Proverbs 19:8
"He that getteth wisdom loveth his own soul: he that keepeth understanding shall find good."
"I saw that these brethren, A, B, and C, should as a religious duty take care of the health and strength which God has given them. The Lord does not require them just now to become martyrs to His cause. They will obtain no reward for making this sacrifice, for God wants them to live. They can serve the cause of present truth far better by their lives than by their death. If any one of these brethren should be suddenly prostrated by disease, no one should regard it as a direct judgment from the Lord. It will be only the sure result of the violation of nature's laws. They should take heed to the warning given, lest they transgress and have to suffer the heavy penalty. 1T 515.4"
Both passages connect wisdom/understanding with the well-being of one's soul/health. Proverbs 19:8 states that gaining wisdom benefits the individual, while the EGW passage implies that taking care of one's health is a wise and religious duty. The connection lies in the idea that wisdom and understanding lead to actions that preserve and benefit the individual's well-being.
Proverbs 19:14
"House and riches are the inheritance of fathers: and a prudent wife is from the Lord."
"“A prudent wife is from the Lord.” “The heart of her husband doth safely trust in her.... She will do him good and not evil all the days of her life.” “She openeth her mouth with wisdom; and in her tongue is the law of kindness. She looketh well to the ways of her household, and eateth not the bread of idleness. Her children arise up, and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praiseth her,” saying, “Many daughters have done virtuously, but thou excellest them all.” He who gains such a wife “findeth a good thing, and obtaineth favor of the Lord.” Proverbs 19:14 ; 31:11, 12, 26-29 ; 18:22 . MH 359.4"
EGW directly quotes Proverbs 19:14, making it a clear explicit allusion.
Proverbs 19:15
"Slothfulness casteth into a deep sleep; and an idle soul shall suffer hunger."
"Parents cannot commit a greater sin than to allow their children to have nothing to do. The children soon learn to love idleness, and they grow up shiftless, useless men and women. When they are old enough to earn their living, and find employment, they work in a lazy, droning way, yet expect to be paid as much as if they were faithful. There is a world-wide difference between this class of workers and those who realize that they must be faithful stewards. COL 345.4"
Both passages address the negative consequences of idleness. The EGW passage elaborates on the societal impact of raising children who are allowed to be idle, while Proverbs 19:15 speaks of the personal consequences of slothfulness. The connection is clear and meaningful.
"Indolent, careless habits indulged in secular work will be brought into the religious life and will unfit one to do any efficient service for God. Many who through diligent labor might have been a blessing to the world, have been ruined through idleness. Lack of employment and of steadfast purpose opens the door to a thousand temptations. Evil companions and vicious habits deprave mind and soul, and the result is ruin for this life and for the life to come. COL 345.5"
Both passages connect idleness with negative consequences. The EGW passage expands on the spiritual and moral dangers of indolence, while Proverbs 19:15 focuses on the physical and spiritual hunger that results from slothfulness. The thematic parallel is strong and relevant.
"The Lessons of Contented Industry Among the evils resulting from wealth, one of the greatest is the fashionable idea that work is degrading. The prophet Ezekiel declares: “Behold, this was the iniquity of thy sister Sodom, pride, fullness of bread, and abundance of idleness was in her and in her daughters, neither did she strengthen the hand of the poor and needy.” Ezekiel 16:49 . Here are presented before us the terrible results of idleness, which enfeebles the mind, debases the soul, and perverts the understanding, making a curse of that which was given as a blessing. It is the working man or woman who sees something great and good in life, and who is willing to bear its responsibilities with faith and hope. CT 279"
EGW directly quotes Ezekiel 16:49 and builds her argument about the evils of idleness upon it. While Proverbs 19:15 also addresses idleness, the Ezekiel reference is the primary basis for the connection.
"Exercise in a gymnasium, however well conducted, cannot supply the place of recreation in the open air, and for this our schools should afford better opportunity. Vigorous exercise the pupils must have. Few evils are more to be dreaded than indolence and aimlessness. Yet the tendency of most athletic sports is a subject of anxious thought to those who have at heart the well-being of the youth. Teachers are troubled as they consider the influence of these sports both on the student's progress in school and on his success in afterlife. The games that occupy so much of his time are diverting the mind from study. They are not helping to prepare the youth for practical, earnest work in life. Their influence does not tend toward refinement, generosity, or real manliness. Ed 210.2"
Both passages discuss the negative consequences of idleness. EGW expands on this in the context of education and physical activity, while Proverbs speaks more generally.
"We may give to the poor, and harm them, by teaching them to be dependent. Such giving encourages selfishness and helplessness. Often it leads to idleness, extravagance, and intemperance. No man who can earn his own livelihood has a right to depend on others. The proverb “The world owes me a living” has in it the essence of falsehood, fraud, and robbery. The world owes no man a living who is able to work and gain a living for himself. MH 195.1"
Both passages connect idleness with negative consequences. Proverbs 19:15 specifically mentions hunger, while the EGW passage discusses dependence and its negative effects. The connection is thematic and supports the idea of the importance of work.
"Inactivity is a fruitful cause of disease. Exercise quickens and equalizes the circulation of the blood, but in idleness the blood does not circulate freely, and the changes in it, so necessary to life and health, do not take place. The skin, too, becomes inactive. Impurities are not expelled as they would be if the circulation had been quickened by vigorous exercise, the skin kept in a healthy condition, and the lungs fed with plenty of pure, fresh air. This state of the system throws a double burden on the excretory organs, and disease is the result. MH 238.1"
Both passages link inactivity/slothfulness with negative consequences for health. The EGW passage provides a more detailed explanation of the physiological effects, while Proverbs focuses on the general consequences of idleness.
"Those who are not compelled to labor, frequently do not have sufficient active exercise for physical health. Young men, for want of having their minds and hands employed in active labor, acquire habits of indolence and frequently obtain what is most to be dreaded, a street education—lounging about stores, smoking, drinking, and playing cards. 3T 150.4"
Both passages connect idleness with negative consequences. Proverbs 19:15 speaks of hunger, while EGW describes the dangers of a "street education" resulting from lack of purposeful activity. The thematic parallel is evident.
Proverbs 19:17
"He that hath pity upon the poor lendeth unto the Lord; and that which he hath given will he pay him again."
"“Seek judgment, relieve the oppressed, judge the fatherless, plead for the widow.” “Blessed is he that considereth the poor: the Lord will deliver him in time of trouble. 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.” “He that hath pity upon the poor lendeth unto the Lord; and that which he hath given will He pay him again.” Isaiah 1:17 ; Psalm 41:1, 2 ; Proverbs 19:17 . Ed 141.1"
EGW directly quotes Proverbs 19:17.
Many are God's promises to those who minister to His afflicted ones. He says: “Blessed is he that considereth the poor: the Lord will deliver him in time of trouble. 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.” “Trust in the Lord, and do good; so shalt thou dwell in the land, and verily thou shalt be fed.” Psalm 41:1-3 ; 37:3 . “Honor the Lord with thy substance, and with the first fruits of all thine increase: so shall thy barns be filled with plenty, and thy presses shall burst out with new wine.” “There is that scattereth, and yet increaseth; and there is that withholdeth more than is meet, but it tendeth to poverty.” “He that hath pity upon the poor lendeth unto the Lord; and that which he hath given will He pay him again.” “The liberal soul shall be made fat: and he that wateret…
Ellen White directly references Proverbs 19:17 in this passage.
"There is a liberal supply of means among our people, and if all felt the importance of the work, this great enterprise could be carried forward without embarrassment. All should feel a special interest in sustaining it. Especially should those who have means invest in this enterprise. A suitable home should be fitted up for the reception of invalids that they may, by the use of proper means and the blessing of God, be relieved of their infirmities and learn how to take care of themselves and thus prevent sickness. 1T 494.1"
Both passages connect giving to the needy with lending to the Lord. EGW encourages investment in a home for invalids, while Proverbs 19:17 speaks of having pity on the poor. The idea that helping those in need is a service to God is present in both.
"drives them to labor beyond what they are really able. They have not even all the comforts of life; and as for conveniences in houseroom, furniture, means of taking baths, and arrangements for good ventilation, they do not have them. Perhaps their only room is occupied by a cookstove, winter and summer; and it may be that all the books they have in the house, excepting the Bible, could be held between the thumb and finger. They have no money to buy books that they may read and learn how to live. These dear brethren are the very ones who need help. Many of them are humble Christians. They may have faults, and some of these may reach far back and be the cause of their present poverty and misery. And yet they may be living up to duty better than we who have the means to improve our own condition and that of others. These must be patiently taught and cheerfully helped. 1T 641.1"
Both passages connect helping the poor with lending to the Lord. The EGW passage describes the needs of the poor, while the Bible verse states that showing pity to the poor is like lending to God. The connection is clear and direct.
"If our talents are invested for the salvation of our fellow men, God will be glorified. Pride and position are made apologies for extravagance, vain show, ambition, and profligate selfishness. The Lord's talents, lent to man as a precious blessing, will, if abused, reflect upon him a terrible curse. Riches may be used by us to advance the cause of God and to relieve the wants of the widow and the fatherless. In so doing, we gather to ourselves rich blessings. Not only shall we receive expressions of gratitude from the recipients of our bounties, but the Lord Himself, who has placed the means in our hands for this very purpose, will make our souls like a watered garden whose waters fail not. When the reaping time shall come, who of us will have the inexpressible joy of seeing the sheaves we have gathered, as a recompense of our fidelity and our unselfish use of the talents the Lord has placed in our hands to use for His glory? 2T 668.4"
Both passages highlight the idea that helping the poor is akin to lending to God. EGW's statement about using riches to relieve the wants of the widow and the fatherless and receiving blessings aligns with the principle in Proverbs.
"“Who gives himself with his alms feeds three, Himself, his hungering neighbor, and Me.” MB 73.1"
The EGW quote shares a similar theme with Proverbs 19:17, which states that showing pity to the poor is lending to the Lord. Both passages connect acts of charity with a relationship with God.
"Again on page 494 of Testimony No. 11 , I said: “There is a liberal supply of means among our people, and if all felt the importance of the work, this great enterprise could be carried forward without embarrassment. All should feel a special interest in sustaining it. Especially should those who have means invest in this enterprise. A suitable home should be fitted up for the reception of invalids that they may, by the use of proper means and the blessing of God, be relieved of their infirmities and learn how to take care of themselves and thus prevent sickness. 1T 638.1"
Both passages deal with using one's resources to help others, with the expectation of a return (either from the Lord or in terms of societal benefit). However, the EGW passage is more specific about investing in a particular enterprise, while Proverbs is more general about helping the poor. The connection is thematic but not a strong, direct allusion.
Proverbs 19:18
"Chasten thy son while there is hope, and let not thy soul spare for his crying."
"If parents themselves would obtain knowledge upon this subject, and feel the importance of putting it to a practical use, we should see a better condition of things. Teach your children to reason from cause to effect. Show them that if they violate the laws of their being, they must pay the penalty by suffering. If you cannot see as rapid improvement as you desire, do not be discouraged, but instruct them patiently, and press on until victory is gained. Continue to teach them in regard to their own bodies, and how to take care of them. Recklessness in regard to bodily health tends to recklessness in morals. CE 173.2"
Both passages discuss the importance of disciplining and instructing children, with the aim of correcting their behavior and preventing future suffering. EGW expands on the method of instruction, emphasizing reasoning and patience, while Proverbs focuses on chastisement. The core principle of parental correction is shared.
Proverbs 19:20
"Hear counsel, and receive instruction, that thou mayest be wise in thy latter end."
"The Lord had greatly honored Moses, and had wrought wonders by his hand; but the fact that he had been chosen to instruct others did not lead him to conclude that he himself needed no instruction. The chosen leader of Israel listened gladly to the suggestions of the godly priest of Midian, and adopted his plan as a wise arrangement. PP 301.1"
The EGW passage illustrates the principle of being open to counsel and instruction, which is directly stated in Proverbs 19:20. Moses' willingness to listen to Jethro exemplifies this principle.
"As year by year the work extends, the need of experienced and faithful workers becomes more urgent; and if the people of the Lord walk in His counsel, such workers will be developed. While we should rely firmly upon God for wisdom and power, He would have us cultivate our ability to the fullest extent. As the workers acquire mental and spiritual power, and become acquainted with the purposes and dealings of God, they will have more comprehensive views of the work for this time and will be better qualified both to devise and to execute plans for its advancement. Thus they may keep pace with the opening providence of God. 5T 721.3"
Both passages emphasize the importance of heeding counsel and instruction to gain wisdom and improve one's abilities, particularly in the context of service to God. EGW expands on the idea of developing abilities and seeking counsel to effectively advance God's work.
Proverbs 19:23
"The fear of the Lord tendeth to life: and he that hath it shall abide satisfied; he shall not be visited with evil."
"The opinion which prevails in some classes of society, that religion is not conducive to health or to happiness in this life, is one of the most mischievous of errors. The Scripture says: “The fear of the Lord tendeth to life; and he that hath it shall abide satisfied.” [ Proverbs 19:23 .] “What man is he that desireth life, and loveth many days, that he may see good? Keep thy tongue from evil, and thy lips from speaking guile. Depart from evil, and do good; seek peace, and pursue it.” [ Psalm 34:12-14 .] The words of wisdom “are life unto those that find them, and health to all their flesh.” [ Proverbs 4:22 .] CE 67.2"
Ellen White directly references Proverbs 19:23 in this passage.
In the preparation of a people for the Lord's second coming a great work is to be accomplished through the promulgation of health principles. The people are to be instructed in regard to the needs of the physical organism and the value of healthful living as taught in the Scriptures, that the bodies which God has created may be presented to Him a living sacrifice, fitted to render Him acceptable service. There is a great work to be done for suffering humanity in relieving their sufferings by the use of the natural agencies that God has provided and in teaching them how to prevent sickness by the regulation of the appetites and passions. The people should be taught that transgression of the laws of nature is transgression of the laws of God. They should be taught the truth in physical as well as in spiritual lines that “the fear of the Lord tendeth to life.” Proverbs 19:23 . “If thou wilt enter into life,” Christ says, “keep the commandments.” Matthew 19:17 . Live out My law as the appl…
Ellen White directly references Proverbs 19:23 in this passage.
"The opinion which prevails in some classes of society, that religion is not conducive to health or to happiness in this life, is one of the most mischievous of errors. The Scripture says: “The fear of the Lord tendeth to life: and he that hath it shall abide satisfied.” Proverbs 19:23 . “What man is he that desireth life, and loveth many days, that he may see good? Keep thy tongue from evil, and thy lips from speaking guile. Depart from evil, and do good; seek peace, and pursue it.” Psalm 34:12-14 . The words of wisdom “are life unto those that find them, and health to all their flesh.” Proverbs 4:22 . PP 600.1"
Ellen White directly references Proverbs 19:23 in this passage.
Proverbs 19:27
"Cease, my son, to hear the instruction that causeth to err from the words of knowledge."
"We are not bidden to prove them by their fair speeches and exalted professions. They are to be judged by the word of God. “To the law and to the testimony: if they speak not according to this word it is because there is no light in them.” “Cease, my son, to hear the instruction that causeth to err from the words of knowledge.” Isaiah 8:20 ; Proverbs 19:27 . What message do these teachers bring? Does it lead you to reverence and fear God? Does it lead you to manifest your love for Him by loyalty to His commandments? If men do not feel the weight of the moral law; if they make light of God's precepts; if they break one of the least of His commandments, and teach men so, they shall be of no esteem in the sight of heaven. We may know that their claims are without foundation. They are doing the very work that originated with the prince of darkness, the enemy of God. MB 145.2"
Ellen White directly references Proverbs 19:27 in this passage.
A few years ago some of the poorer brethren were in danger of losing their souls through wrong impressions. Everywhere Satan was tempting them in regard to the wealthy. These poor brethren were constantly expecting to be favored, when it was their duty to rely upon their own energies; and had they been favored, it would have been the worst thing that could have been done for them. All through the ranks of Sabbathkeepers, Satan was seeking to overthrow the poorer class by his temptations. Some who have lacked judgment and wisdom have taken their own course, being unwilling to ask advice or to follow it. Such have had to suffer as the result of their miserable calculation, and yet these same ones would feel that they should be favored by their brethren who have property. These things needed to be corrected. The first-mentioned class did not realize the responsibilities resting upon the wealthy, nor the perplexity and cares they were compelled to have because of their means. All they coul…
The EGW passage discusses the dangers of ignoring advice and following one's own course, leading to suffering. This aligns with Proverbs 19:27's warning against instruction that leads away from knowledge. However, the connection is not direct or explicit.