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 20:1
"Wine is a mocker, strong drink is raging: and whosoever is deceived thereby is not wise."
It was Christ who in the Old Testament gave the warning to Israel, “Wine is a mocker, strong drink is raging: and whosoever is deceived thereby is not wise.” Proverbs 20:1 . And He Himself provided no such beverage. Satan tempts men to indulgence that will becloud reason and benumb the spiritual perceptions, but Christ teaches us to bring the lower nature into subjection. His whole life was an example of self-denial. In order to break the power of appetite, He suffered in our behalf the severest test that humanity could endure. It was Christ who directed that John the Baptist should drink neither wine nor strong drink. It was He who enjoined similar abstinence upon the wife of Manoah. And He pronounced a curse upon the man who should put the bottle to his neighbor's lips. Christ did not contradict His own teaching. The unfermented wine which He provided for the wedding guests was a wholesome and refreshing drink. Its effect was to bring the taste into harmony with a healthful appetite.…
EGW directly quotes Proverbs 20:1 and attributes the warning to Christ.
Oh, how often has the life of the innocent been sacrificed through the intemperance of those who should have been guardians of justice! He who puts the intoxicating cup to his lips makes himself responsible for all the injustice he may commit under its besotting power. By benumbing his senses he makes it impossible for him to judge calmly or to have a clear perception of right and wrong. He opens the way for Satan to work through him in oppressing and destroying the innocent. “Wine is a mocker, strong drink is raging: and whosoever is deceived thereby is not wise.” Proverbs 20:1 . Thus it is that “judgment is turned away backward, ... and he that departeth from evil maketh himself a prey.” Isaiah 59:14, 15 . Those who have jurisdiction over the lives of their fellow men should be held guilty of a crime when they yield to intemperance. All who execute the laws should be lawkeepers. They should be men of self-control. They need to have full command of their physical, mental, and moral po…
The EGW passage directly quotes Proverbs 20:1 and uses it as a basis for her argument about the dangers of intemperance.
"Look not thou upon the wine when it is red, When it giveth his color in the cup, When it moveth itself aright. At the last it biteth like a serpent, And stingeth like an adder.” Proverbs 20:1 ; 23:29-32 . MH 330.2"
EGW directly references Proverbs 20:1.
It was Christ who, in the Old Testament, gave the warning to Israel, “Wine is a mocker, strong drink is raging: and whosoever is deceived thereby is not wise.” Proverbs 20:1 . He Himself provided no such beverage. Satan tempts men to indulgence that will becloud reason and benumb the spiritual perceptions, but Christ teaches us to bring the lower nature into subjection. He never places before men that which would be a temptation. His whole life was an example of self-denial. It was to break the power of appetite that in the forty days’ fast in the wilderness He suffered in our behalf the severest test that humanity could endure. It was Christ who directed that John the Baptist should drink neither wine nor strong drink. It was He who enjoined similar abstinence upon the wife of Manoah. Christ did not contradict His own teaching. The unfermented wine that He provided for the wedding guests was a wholesome and refreshing drink. This is the wine that was used by our Saviour and His discip…
Ellen White directly references Proverbs 20:1 in this passage.
"Its use excites a thirst for strong drink and in many cases lays the foundation for the liquor habit. MH 327.1"
Both passages connect the use of certain substances (tobacco/caffeine and alcohol) with negative consequences and the potential for addiction.
"Herodias knew that by direct measures she could never win Herod's consent to the death of John, and she resolved to accomplish her purpose by stratagem. On the king's birthday an entertainment was to be given to the officers of state and the nobles of the court. There would be feasting and drunkenness. Herod would thus be thrown off his guard, and might then be influenced according to her will. DA 221.1"
The proverb warns against the dangers of strong drink, and the EGW passage illustrates this danger by showing how Herod's inebriation led to a rash and deadly promise. The connection is valid and meaningful.
"In private lunchrooms and fashionable resorts, ladies are supplied with popular drinks, under some pleasing name, that are really intoxicants. For the sick and the exhausted, there are the widely advertised bitters, consisting largely of alcohol. MH 338.4"
Both passages warn against the deceptive nature of alcohol. Proverbs 20:1 states that wine is a mocker and strong drink is raging, while EGW describes how drinks are disguised under pleasing names but are still intoxicants.
"Tea and Coffee Tea acts as a stimulant and, to a certain extent, produces intoxication. The action of coffee and many other popular drinks is similar. The first effect is exhilarating. The nerves of the stomach are excited; these convey irritation to the brain, and this in turn is aroused to impart increased action to the heart and short-lived energy to the entire system. Fatigue is forgotten; the strength seems to be increased. The intellect is aroused, the imagination becomes more vivid. MH 326"
Both passages warn against the deceptive nature of stimulants. Proverbs 20:1 speaks of the dangers of wine and strong drink, while the EGW passage discusses the stimulating and ultimately harmful effects of tea and coffee. The connection is a clear thematic parallel.
Nadab and Abihu would never have committed that fatal sin had they not first become partially intoxicated by the free use of wine. They understood that the most careful and solemn preparation was necessary before presenting themselves in the sanctuary, where the divine Presence was manifested; but by intemperance they were disqualified for their holy office. Their minds became confused and their moral perceptions dulled so that they could not discern the difference between the sacred and the common. To Aaron and his surviving sons was given the warning: “Do not drink wine nor strong drink, thou, nor thy sons with thee, when ye go into the tabernacle of the congregation, lest ye die: it shall be a statute forever throughout your generations: and that ye may put difference between holy and unholy, and between unclean and clean; and that ye may teach the children of Israel all the statutes which the Lord hath spoken.” The use of spirituous liquors has the effect to weaken the body, confus…
The EGW passage discusses the dangers of intoxication and its effect on moral perception, which aligns with the warning in Proverbs 20:1 about wine being a mocker and strong drink being raging. Both passages highlight the negative consequences of alcohol consumption.
"Often he is forbidden to sell intoxicants to one who is drunk or who is known to be a confirmed drunkard; but the work of making drunkards of the youth goes steadily forward. Upon the creating of the liquor appetite in the youth the very life of the traffic depends. The youth are led on, step by step, until the liquor habit is established and the thirst is created that at any cost demands satisfaction. Less harmful would it be to grant liquor to the confirmed drunkard, whose ruin, in most cases, is already determined, than to permit the flower of our youth to be lured to destruction through this terrible habit. MH 342.2"
The passage echoes the warning about the deceptive nature of wine and strong drink, highlighting how it leads people astray, especially the youth.
"There is danger to health in the use of even sweet cider as ordinarily produced. If people could see what the microscope reveals in regard to the cider they buy, few would be willing to drink it. Often those who manufacture cider for the market are not careful as to the condition of the fruit used, and the juice of wormy and decayed apples is expressed. Those who would not think of using the poisonous, rotten apples in any other way, will drink the cider made from them, and call it a luxury; but the microscope shows that even when fresh from the press, this pleasant beverage is wholly unfit for use. [When this statement was made in 1905, it was common practice to manufacture cider as here described by the author. Today, in places where the purity of foods is not controlled, apple cider may still be made the same way. But where cider is produced under sanitary conditions, using good, sound fruit, obviously the objections disappear.—Publishers.] MH 332.1"
Both passages discuss the dangers of consuming alcohol. Proverbs 20:1 warns against the deceptive nature of wine and strong drink, while the EGW passage focuses on the unsanitary and potentially harmful aspects of cider production, implying a similar deceptive quality in its appeal.
"Tea and Coffee Tea and coffee, as well as tobacco, have an injurious effect upon the system. Tea is intoxicating. Though less in degree, its effect is the same in character as that of spirituous liquors. Coffee has a greater tendency to becloud the intellect and benumb the energies. It is not so powerful as tobacco, but is similar in its effect. The arguments brought against tobacco may also be urged against the use of tea and coffee. SL 32"
EGW's comparison of tea and coffee to intoxicating substances aligns with the warning against strong drink in Proverbs 20:1. Both passages address the dangers of substances that can impair judgment and lead to unwise behavior.
"of the liquor traffic! A man under the influence of liquor commits a crime; he is brought into court; and those who legalized the traffic are forced to deal with the result of their own work. They authorized the sale of a draft that would make a sane man mad; and now it is necessary for them to send the man to prison or to the gallows, while often his wife and children are left destitute to become the charge of the community in which they live. MH 343.2"
Both passages discuss the negative consequences of alcohol consumption. Proverbs 20:1 warns of the deceptive and destructive nature of alcohol, while EGW describes the societal costs and consequences of the liquor traffic. The connection is thematic, but the proverb is a general warning, while EGW is more specific.
Proverbs 20:19
"He that goeth about as a talebearer revealeth secrets: therefore meddle not with him that flattereth with his lips."
"“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 20:19 in this passage.
Proverbs 20:22
"Say not thou, I will recompense evil; but wait on the Lord, and he shall save thee."
"These words were but a reiteration of the teaching of the Old Testament. It is true that the rule, “Eye for eye, tooth for tooth” ( Leviticus 24:20 ), was a provision in the laws given through Moses; but it was a civil statute. None were justified in avenging themselves, for they had the words of the Lord: “Say not thou, I will recompense evil.” “Say not, I will do so to him as he hath done to me.” “Rejoice not when thine enemy falleth.” “If he that hateth thee be hungry, give him bread to eat; and if he be thirsty, give him water to drink.” Proverbs 20:22 ; 24:29, 17 ; Proverbs 25:21, 22 , R.V., margin. MB 70.2"
Ellen White directly references Proverbs 20:22 in this passage.
Proverbs 20:23
"Divers weights are an abomination unto the Lord; and a false balance is not good."
At the same time there should be in our business deal no shadow of selfishness or overreaching. Let no one take advantage of any man's ignorance or necessity by charging exorbitant prices for work done or for goods sold. There will be strong temptation to diverge from the straight path; there will be innumerable arguments in favor of conforming to custom and adopting practices that are really dishonest. Some urge that in dealing with sharpers one must conform to custom; that, should he maintain strict integrity, he could not carry on business and secure a livelihood. Where is our faith in God? He owns us as His sons and daughters on condition that we come out from the world and be separate, and touch not the unclean thing. To His institutions as well as to individual Christians are addressed the words, “Seek ye first the kingdom of God, and His righteousness,” and His promise is sure that all things needed for this life shall be added. Let it be written upon the conscience as with a pe…
Both passages condemn dishonest business practices. Proverbs 20:23 speaks against using false weights and balances, while the EGW passage condemns taking advantage of others through exorbitant prices and dishonest dealings. The EGW passage expands on the principle of honesty and fairness in business, making the connection more than just a thematic parallel.
Proverbs 20:25
"It is a snare to the man who devoureth that which is holy, and after vows to make enquiry."
“And Moses spake unto the heads of the tribes concerning the children of Israel, saying, This is the thing which the Lord hath commanded. If a man vow a vow unto the Lord, or swear an oath to bind his soul with a bond; he shall not break his word, he shall do according to all that proceedeth out of his mouth.” Numbers 30:1, 2 . “Suffer not thy mouth to cause thy flesh to sin; neither say thou before the angel, that it was an error: wherefore should God be angry at thy voice, and destroy the work of thine hands?” Ecclesiastes 5:6 . “I will go into Thy house with burnt offerings: I will pay Thee my vows, which my lips have uttered, and my mouth hath spoken, when I was in trouble.” Psalm 66:13, 14 . “It is a snare to the man who devoureth that which is holy, and after vows to make inquiry.” Proverbs 20:25 . “When thou shalt vow a vow unto the Lord thy God, thou shalt not slack to pay it: for the Lord thy God will surely require it of thee; and it would be sin in thee. But if thou shalt fo…
Ellen White directly references Proverbs 20:25 in this passage.
Proverbs 20:28
"Mercy and truth preserve the king: and his throne is upholden by mercy."
"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 20:28.
"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"
Ellen White directly references Proverbs 20:28 in this passage.
Proverbs 20:29
"The glory of young men is their strength: and the beauty of old men is the gray head."
"The youth, in the freshness and vigor of life, little realize the value of their abounding energy. A treasure more precious than gold, more essential to advancement than learning or rank or riches—how lightly it is held! how rashly squandered! How many a man, sacrificing health in the struggle for riches or power, has almost reached the object of his desire, only to fall helpless, while another, possessing superior physical endurance, grasped the longed-for prize! Through morbid conditions, the result of neglecting the laws of health, how many have been led into evil practices, to the sacrifice of every hope for this world and the next! Ed 195.3"
Both passages discuss the value of youth and strength. Proverbs 20:29 directly states that the glory of young men is their strength. EGW laments that youth don't realize the value of their energy. The connection is thematic.