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Select an Ellen White book from the sidebar to see each passage mapped to the Bible verses it amplifies, cites, or echoes.

Chapter 31
Proverbs 31:10-31 "Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price is far above rubies. The heart of her husband doth safely trust in her, so that he shall have no need of spoil. She will do him good and not evil all the days of her life. She seeketh wool, and flax, and worketh willingly with her hands. She is like the merchants’ ships; she bringeth her food from afar. She riseth also while it is yet night, and giveth meat to her household, and a portion to her maidens. She considereth a field, and buyeth it: with the fruit of her hands she planteth a vineyard. She girdeth her loins with strength, and strengtheneth her arms. She perceiveth that her merchandise is good: her candle goeth not out by night. She layeth her hands to the spindle, and her hands hold the distaff. She stretcheth out her hand to the poor; yea, she reacheth forth her hands to the needy. She is not afraid of the snow for her household: for all her household are clothed with scarlet. She maketh herself coverings of tapestry; her clothing is silk and purple. Her husband is known in the gates, when he sitteth among the elders of the land. She maketh fine linen, and selleth it; and delivereth girdles unto the merchant. Strength and honour are her clothing; and she shall rejoice in time to come. 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. Many daughters have done virtuously, but thou excellest them all."
Related principle 85% 1T 306.1
Infirmities and disease especially affect women. The happiness of the family depends much upon the wife and mother. If she is weak and nervous, and is suffered to be overtaxed with labor, the mind becomes depressed, for it sympathizes with the weariness of the body; and then she too often meets with cold reserve from the husband. If everything does not move off just as pleasantly as he could wish, he blames the wife and mother. He is almost wholly unacquainted with her cares and burdens, and does not always know how to sympathize with her. He does not realize that he is aiding the great enemy in his work of tearing down. He should by faith in God lift up a standard against Satan; but he seems blinded to his own interest and hers. He treats her with indifference. He knows not what he is doing. He is working directly against his own happiness and is destroying the happiness of his family. The wife becomes desponding and discouraged. Hope and cheerfulness are gone. She goes her daily roun…
Both passages discuss the role and value of a wife and mother within the family. Proverbs 31 praises the virtuous woman for her hard work, wisdom, and care for her household. EGW highlights the wife and mother's influence on family happiness and criticizes husbands who are indifferent to her burdens, contrasting with the Proverbs passage but still thematically linked.
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Related principle 75% GW 453.1
"Seventh-day Adventists are not in any way to belittle woman's work. If a woman puts her housework in the hands of a faithful, prudent helper, and leaves her children in good care, while she engages in the work, the conference should have wisdom to understand the justice of her receiving wages. GW 453.1"
Both passages discuss the value and multifaceted role of women, though EGW focuses on the specific context of women in ministry and receiving wages, while Proverbs 31 paints a broader picture of a virtuous and capable woman. The connection is thematic, not a direct quotation or explicit allusion.
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Proverbs 31:11 "The heart of her husband doth safely trust in her, so that he shall have no need of spoil."
Direct citation 99% MH 359.4
"“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 31:11, making it a clear explicit allusion.
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Proverbs 31:12 "She will do him good and not evil all the days of her life."
Direct citation 99% MH 359.4
"“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 31:12, making it a clear explicit allusion.
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Proverbs 31:13 "She seeketh wool, and flax, and worketh willingly with her hands."
Related principle 85% Ed 216.1
"Many of the branches of study that consume the student's time are not essential to usefulness or happiness; but it is essential for every youth to have a thorough acquaintance with everyday duties. If need be, a young woman can dispense with a knowledge of French and algebra, or even of the piano; but it is indispensable that she learn to make good bread, to fashion neatly-fitting garments, and to perform efficiently the many duties that pertain to homemaking. Ed 216.1"
Both passages highlight the value of women engaging in practical work. Proverbs 31:13 describes a woman working with wool and flax, while the EGW passage emphasizes the importance of skills like making bread and clothing.
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Proverbs 31:15 "She riseth also while it is yet night, and giveth meat to her household, and a portion to her maidens."
Related principle 85% MH 302.4
"Cooking is no mean science, and it is one of the most essential in practical life. It is a science that all women should learn, and it should be taught in a way to benefit the poorer classes. To make food appetizing and at the same time simple and nourishing, requires skill; but it can be done. Cooks should know how to prepare simple food in a simple and healthful manner, and so that it will be found more palatable, as well as more wholesome, because of its simplicity. MH 302.4"
Both passages highlight the importance of women providing food for their households. EGW expands on the skill and knowledge required for healthful cooking, while Proverbs focuses on the diligence of the woman.
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Related principle 80% 1T 682.1
"It is a religious duty for those who cook to learn how to prepare healthful food in different ways, so that it may be eaten with enjoyment. Mothers should teach their children how to cook. What branch of the education of a young lady can be so important as this? The eating has to do with the life. Scanty, impoverished, ill-cooked food is constantly depraving the blood by weakening the blood-making organs. It is highly essential that the art of cookery be considered one of the most important branches of education. There are but few good cooks. Young ladies consider that it is stooping to a menial office to become a cook. This is not the case. They do not view the subject from a right standpoint. Knowledge of how to prepare food healthfully, especially bread, is no mean science. 1T 682.1"
Both passages emphasize the importance of women providing food for their households. Proverbs 31:15 highlights a woman's diligence in this area, while the EGW passage stresses the importance of learning and teaching healthful cooking skills. The connection is a valid thematic parallel.
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Related principle 80% MH 194.2
"In ministry to the poor there is a wide field of service for women as well as for men. The efficient cook, the housekeeper, the seamstress, the nurse—the help of all is needed. Let the members of poor households be taught how to cook, how to make and mend their own clothing, how to nurse the sick, how to care properly for the home. Let boys and girls be thoroughly taught some useful trade or occupation. MH 194.2"
Both passages highlight the industriousness and domestic skills of women, particularly in providing for their households. Proverbs 31:15 describes a woman providing for her household, while the EGW passage encourages women to teach these skills to others.
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Related principle 65% MH 323.1
"All should learn what to eat and how to cook it. Men, as well as women, need to understand the simple, healthful preparation of food. Their business often calls them where they cannot obtain wholesome food; then, if they have a knowledge of cookery, they can use it to good purpose. MH 323.1"
This verse highlights the importance of providing food for the household, which connects to the passage's emphasis on learning about food preparation.
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Proverbs 31:16 "She considereth a field, and buyeth it: with the fruit of her hands she planteth a vineyard."
Related principle 80% CT 312.2
"For the lady students there are many employments which should be provided, that they may have a comprehensive and practical education. They should be taught dressmaking and gardening. Flowers should be cultivated and strawberries planted. Thus, while being educated in useful labor, they will have healthful outdoor exercise. CT 312.2"
Both passages describe women engaging in agricultural activities. The Proverbs verse speaks of a woman buying a field and planting a vineyard, while the EGW passage encourages lady students to learn gardening, cultivate flowers, and plant strawberries. The connection is thematic, focusing on the value of women's practical skills and labor.
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Related principle 70% Ed 216.3
"Since both men and women have a part in home-making, boys as well as girls should gain a knowledge of household duties. To make a bed and put a room in order, to wash dishes, to prepare a meal, to wash and repair his own clothing, is a training that need not make any boy less manly; it will make him happier and more useful. And if girls, in turn, could learn to harness and drive a horse, and to use the saw and the hammer, as well as the rake and the hoe, they would be better fitted to meet the emergencies of life. Ed 216.3"
The EGW quote promotes a broader understanding of skills for both genders, while Proverbs 31:16 specifically highlights a woman's industriousness in acquiring and cultivating land. The connection lies in the shared theme of practical skills and industriousness, though the EGW quote expands the concept to include both men and women and a wider range of skills.
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Proverbs 31:21 "She is not afraid of the snow for her household: for all her household are clothed with scarlet."
Direct citation 97% CT 302.4
"But our clothing, while modest and simple, should be of good quality, of becoming colors, and suited for service. It should be chosen for durability rather than display. It should provide warmth and proper protection. The wise woman described in the Proverbs “is not afraid of the snow for her household: for all her household are clothed with double garments.” Proverbs 31:21 , margin. CT 302.4"
Ellen White directly references Proverbs 31:21 in this passage.
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Direct citation 97% MH 288.1
"But our clothing, while modest and simple, should be of good quality, of becoming colors, and suited for service. It should be chosen for durability rather than display. It should provide warmth and proper protection. The wise woman described in the Proverbs “is not afraid of the snow for her household: for all her household are clothed with double garments.” Proverbs 31:21 , margin. MH 288.1"
Ellen White directly references Proverbs 31:21 in this passage.
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Proverbs 31:26 "She openeth her mouth with wisdom; and in her tongue is the law of kindness."
Direct citation 99% MH 359.4
"“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 31:26.
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Related principle 70% MH 294
"Independent of Fashion Let women themselves, instead of struggling to meet the demands of fashion, have the courage to dress healthfully and simply. Instead of sinking into a mere household drudge, let the wife and mother take time to read, to keep herself well informed, to be a companion to her husband, and to keep in touch with the developing minds of her children. Let her use wisely the opportunities now hers to influence her dear ones for the higher life. Let her take time to make the dear Saviour a daily companion and familiar friend. Let her take time for the study of His word, take time to go with the children into the fields, and learn of God through the beauty of His works. MH 294"
The passage encourages women to be wise and to use their influence for good, similar to the description of the virtuous woman who opens her mouth with wisdom.
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Proverbs 31:27 "She looketh well to the ways of her household, and eateth not the bread of idleness."
Direct citation 99% MH 359.4
"“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 31:27.
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Likely biblical basis 90% 4T 97.3
"Children should have occupation for their time. Proper mental labor and physical outdoor exercise will not break the constitutions of your boys. Useful labor and an acquaintance with the mysteries of housework will be beneficial to your girls, and some outdoor employment is positively necessary to their constitution and health. Children should be taught to labor. Industry is the greatest blessing that men, women, and children can have. 4T 97.2 You have erred in the education of your children. You have been too indulgent. You have favored them and excused them from labor, until to some of them, it is positively distasteful. Inactivity, a lack of well-regulated employment, has injured them greatly. Temptations are on every side, ready to ruin the youth for this world and the next. The path of obedience is the only path of safety. 4T 97.3"
Both passages advocate for diligence and warn against idleness. Proverbs 31:27 praises a woman who 'looketh well to the ways of her household, and eateth not the bread of idleness,' while EGW emphasizes the importance of labor for children and the negative consequences of inactivity.
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Related principle 90% 1T 683.2
But the daughters are not the ones to be blamed wholly in this matter. The mother is at fault. She has not patiently taught her daughters how to cook. She knows that they lack knowledge in the cooking department, and therefore feels no release from the labor. She must attend to everything that requires care, thought, and attention. Young ladies should be thoroughly instructed in cooking. Whatever be their circumstances in life, here is knowledge which may be put to a practical use. It is a branch of education which has the most direct influence upon human life, especially the lives of those held most dear. Many a wife and mother who has not had the right education and lacks skill in the cooking department is daily presenting her family with ill-prepared food which is steadily and surely destroying the digestive organs, making a poor quality of blood, and frequently bringing on acute attacks of inflammatory disease and causing premature death. Many have been brought to their death by ea…
Both passages highlight the importance of a woman's diligence and active role in managing her household. EGW's passage specifically focuses on the practical skills, like cooking, that contribute to this diligence.
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Likely biblical basis 85% 1T 395.1
"This spirit is like a contagious disease. God's people should choose the society for their children and teach them to avoid the company of these vain worldlings. Mothers should take their daughters with them into the kitchen and patiently educate them. Their constitution will be better for such labor, their muscles will gain tone and strength, and their meditations will be more healthy and elevated at the close of the day. They may be weary, but how sweet is rest after a proper amount of labor. Sleep, nature's sweet restorer, invigorates the weary body, and prepares it for the next day's duties. Do not intimate to your children that it is no matter whether they labor or not. Teach them that their help is needed, that their time is of value, and that you depend on their labor. 1T 395.1"
The EGW passage promotes diligence and avoiding idleness, particularly in the context of household duties, which aligns with the description of the virtuous woman in Proverbs 31:27.
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Related principle 85% CE 174.1
"Do not neglect to teach your children how to prepare healthful food. In giving them these lessons in physiology and in good cooking, you are giving them the first steps in some of the most useful branches of education, and inculcating principles which are needful elements in a religious education. CE 174.1"
Both passages emphasize the importance of diligence and care within the household. Proverbs 31:27 speaks of a woman's attentiveness to her household's needs, while the EGW quote focuses on teaching children practical skills like cooking, which contributes to a healthy and well-managed home. The connection is thematic, focusing on the value of domestic responsibility.
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Related principle 85% CT 285.3
"Young ladies frequently give themselves up to study, to the neglect of other branches of education even more essential for practical life than the study of books. And after having obtained their education, they are often invalids for life. They have neglected their health by remaining too much indoors, deprived of the pure air of heaven and of the God-given sunlight. These young women might have come from school in health had they combined with their studies household labor and exercise in the open air. CT 285.3"
The EGW passage discusses young women neglecting household labor and exercise in favor of studying, leading to health problems. This echoes the sentiment in Proverbs 31:27, which praises a woman who 'looketh well to the ways of her household, and eateth not the bread of idleness.' Both passages emphasize the importance of practical skills and avoiding idleness, particularly in the context of women's education and roles.
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Related principle 85% CE 244.2
"physical as well as mental improvement. If girls were taught how to cook, especially how to make good bread, their education would be of far greater value. A knowledge of useful labor would prevent, to a great extent, that sickly sentimentalism which has been and is still ruining thousands. The exercise of the muscles as well as the brain will encourage taste for the homely duties of practical life.— “Testimony,” No. 31. CE 244.2"
The EGW passage advocates for teaching girls practical skills like cooking, echoing the description of the virtuous woman in Proverbs 31:27 who diligently manages her household. Both emphasize the value of domestic skills and avoiding idleness.
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Related principle 85% Ed 215.3
"Notwithstanding all that has been said and written concerning the dignity of labor, the feeling prevails that it is degrading. Young men are anxious to become teachers, clerks, merchants, physicians, lawyers, or to occupy some other position that does not require physical toil. Young women shun housework and seek an education in other lines. These need to learn that no man or woman is degraded by honest toil. That which degrades is idleness and selfish dependence. Idleness fosters self-indulgence, and the result is a life empty and barren—a field inviting the growth of every evil. “The earth which drinketh in the rain that cometh oft upon it, and bringeth forth herbs meet for them by whom it is dressed, receiveth blessing from God: but that which beareth thorns and briers is rejected, and is nigh unto cursing; whose end is to be burned.” Hebrews 6:7, 8 . Ed 215.3"
Both passages contrast the value of diligent work with the dangers of idleness. Proverbs 31:27 specifically praises a woman who avoids idleness, while the EGW passage expands on the negative consequences of idleness for both men and women, and even quotes Hebrews 6:7,8.
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Related principle 85% 1T 686.1
“Children should be taught very young to be useful, to help themselves, and to help others. Many daughters of this age can, without remorse of conscience, see their mothers toiling, cooking, washing, or ironing, while they sit in the parlor and read stories, knit edging, crochet, or embroider. Their hearts are as unfeeling as a stone. But where does this wrong originate? Who are the ones usually most to blame in this matter? The poor, deceived parents. They overlook the future good of their children, and in their mistaken fondness, let them sit in idleness, or do that which is of but little account, which requires no exercise of the mind or muscles, and then excuse their indolent daughters because they are weakly. What has made them weakly? In many cases it has been the wrong course of the parents. A proper amount of exercise about the house would improve both mind and body. But children are deprived of this through false ideas, until they are averse to work. It is disagreeable and doe…
Both passages address the issue of idleness, particularly in the context of household duties. Proverbs 31:27 praises a woman who avoids idleness, while the EGW passage criticizes parents who allow their daughters to be idle and avoid work. The connection is clear and meaningful.
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Related principle 80% CT 313.2
"Women especially should learn how to cook. What part of the education of a girl is so important as this? Whatever may be her circumstances in life, here is knowledge that she may put to practical use. It is a branch of education which has a most direct influence upon health and happiness. There is practical religion in a loaf of good bread. CT 313.2"
Both passages highlight the importance of women's domestic skills and their impact on the household. The EGW quote emphasizes the importance of cooking for women and its influence on health and happiness, while the Proverbs verse praises a woman who diligently manages her household and avoids idleness. The connection is thematic, focusing on the value of women's practical skills and their role in maintaining a healthy and well-managed home.
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Related principle 80% MH 303.1
"Every woman who is at the head of a family and yet does not understand the art of healthful cookery should determine to learn that which is so essential to the well-being of her household. In many places hygienic cooking schools afford opportunity for instruction in this line. She who has not the help of such facilities should put herself under the instruction of some good cook and persevere in her efforts for improvement until she is mistress of the culinary art. MH 303.1"
Both passages emphasize the importance of a woman's role in managing her household, particularly concerning food preparation and care. EGW focuses on learning healthful cookery, while Proverbs highlights diligence and avoiding idleness.
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Related principle 80% 1T 683.1
"Why will mothers be so blind and negligent in the education of their daughters? I have been distressed, as I have visited different families, to see the mother bearing the heavy burden, while the daughter, who manifested buoyancy of spirit and had a good degree of health and vigor, felt no care, no burden. When there are large gatherings, and families are burdened with company, I have seen the mother bearing the burden, with the care of everything upon her, while the daughters are sitting down chatting with young friends, having a social visit. These things seem so wrong to me that I can hardly forbear speaking to the thoughtless youth and telling them to go to work. Release your tired mother. Lead her to a seat in the parlor and urge her to rest and enjoy the society of her friends. 1T 683.1"
Both passages emphasize the importance of a woman's role in managing the household and avoiding idleness. EGW's passage expands on the practical aspects of this, particularly in relation to cooking and its impact on family health.
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Related principle 80% 1T 699.2
"your family. What a terrible influence has your daughter had! The mother, not receiving love and sympathy from you, has centered her affections upon the daughter and has idolized her. She has been a petted, indulged, and nearly spoiled child through the exercise of injudicious affection. Her education has been sadly neglected. Had she been instructed in household duties, taught to bear her share of the family burdens, she would now be more healthy and happy. It is the duty of every mother to teach her children to act their part in life, to share her burdens, and not be useless machines. 1T 699.2"
Both passages highlight the importance of diligence and avoiding idleness within the household. Proverbs 31:27 praises a woman who actively manages her household, while EGW criticizes the neglect of household duties and the creation of a 'useless machine.'
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Related principle 80% 1T 685.1
It is a religious duty for every Christian girl and woman to learn at once to make good, sweet, light bread from unbolted wheat flour. Mothers should take their daughters into the kitchen with them when very young and teach them the art of cooking. The mother cannot expect her daughters to understand the mysteries of housekeeping without education. She should instruct them patiently, lovingly, and make the work as agreeable as she can by her cheerful countenance and encouraging words of approval. If they fail once, twice, or thrice, censure not. Already discouragement is doing its work and tempting them to say: “It is of no use; I can't do it.” This is not the time for censure. The will is becoming weakened. It needs the spur of encouraging, cheerful, hopeful words, as: “Never mind the mistakes you have made. You are but a learner and must expect to make blunders. Try again. Put your mind on what you are doing. Be very careful, and you will certainly succeed.” 1T 684.1 Many mothers do …
Both passages emphasize the importance of women being skilled in household tasks, particularly related to food preparation. Proverbs 31:27 speaks of a woman who 'looketh well to the ways of her household,' while EGW specifically addresses the skill of bread-making. The connection is thematic, focusing on diligence and skill in domestic duties.
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Related principle 80% 1T 685.2
"Thus the first efforts of the learners are repulsed, and the first failure so cools their interest and ardor to learn that they dread another trial, and will propose to sew, knit, clean house—anything but cook. Here the mother was greatly at fault. She should have patiently instructed them that they might by practice obtain an experience which would remove the awkwardness and remedy the unskillful movements of the inexperienced worker. Here I will add extracts from Testimony , No. 10, page 392 , published in 1864: 1T 685.2"
Both passages highlight the importance of women being skilled and diligent in household tasks. Proverbs 31:27 speaks of a woman who 'looketh well to the ways of her household,' while EGW specifically addresses the skill of cooking and avoiding idleness. The connection is thematic, focusing on diligence and skill in domestic duties.
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Related principle 80% MH 381.4
"In the preparation of the baby's wardrobe, convenience, comfort, and health should be sought before fashion or a desire to excite admiration. The mother should not spend time in embroidery and fancywork to make the little garments beautiful, thus taxing herself with unnecessary labor at the expense of her own health and the health of her child. She should not bend over sewing that severely taxes eyes and nerves, at a time when she needs much rest and pleasant exercise. She should realize her obligation to cherish her strength, that she may be able to meet the demands that will be made upon her. MH 381.4"
Both passages touch on the responsible management of household duties and avoiding idleness or excessive focus on superficial things. Proverbs 31:27 describes a diligent woman, while the EGW passage advises mothers to prioritize health and well-being over elaborate clothing for their babies.
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Related principle 75% 2T 531.1
"A large class of women are content to hover over the stove, breathing impure air for one half or three fourths of the time, until the brain is heated and half benumbed. They should go out and exercise every day, even though some things indoors have to be neglected. They need the cool air to quiet their distracted brains. They need not go to their neighbors to gossip, but should make it their object to do some good, working to the end of benefiting others. Then they will be an example to others and receive real benefit themselves. 2T 531.1"
Both passages address the role and responsibilities of women, with Proverbs 31:27 highlighting diligence in household management and EGW advocating for women to balance their duties with outdoor activity and service to others. There's a thematic overlap in the discussion of women's roles and responsibilities.
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Related principle 75% CE 16.3
"muscles. The satisfaction children will have in being useful, in denying themselves to help others, will be the most healthful pleasure they ever enjoyed. Why should the wealthy rob themselves and their dear children of this great blessing? CE 16.3"
Both passages emphasize the value of diligence and avoiding idleness, particularly in a domestic context. EGW applies it to children, while Proverbs speaks of a capable woman.
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Proverbs 31:28 "Her children arise up, and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praiseth her."
Direct citation 99% MH 359.4
"“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 31:28.
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Related principle 85% PP 572.3
What a reward was Hannah's! and what an encouragement to faithfulness is her example! There are opportunities of inestimable worth, interests infinitely precious, committed to every mother. The humble round of duties which women have come to regard as a wearisome task should be looked upon as a grand and noble work. It is the mother's privilege to bless the world by her influence, and in doing this she will bring joy to her own heart. She may make straight paths for the feet of her children, through sunshine and shadow, to the glorious heights above. But it is only when she seeks, in her own life, to follow the teachings of Christ that the mother can hope to form the character of her children after the divine pattern. The world teems with corrupting influences. Fashion and custom exert a strong power over the young. If the mother fails in her duty to instruct, guide, and restrain, her children will naturally accept the evil, and turn from the good. Let every mother go often to her Savi…
Both passages discuss the blessedness and influence of mothers. Proverbs 31:28 speaks of the honor a virtuous woman receives from her children, while the EGW passage elaborates on the mother's role in guiding her children and the joy she receives from it. The connection is thematic and supportive.
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Related principle 85% GW 206.3
"The influence of the mother who has a close connection with Christ is of infinite worth. Her ministry of love makes the home a Bethel. Christ works with her, turning the common water of life into the wine of heaven. Her children will grow up to be a blessing and an honor to her in this life and in the life to come. GW 206.3"
The EGW passage describes the positive influence of a mother connected to Christ, leading to her children's blessing and honor, which parallels the sentiment in Proverbs 31:28 where children bless and praise their mother.
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Related principle 75% MH 376.2
"The mother's work often seems to her an unimportant service. It is a work that is rarely appreciated. Others know little of her many cares and burdens. Her days are occupied with a round of little duties, all calling for patient effort, for self-control, for tact, wisdom, and self-sacrificing love; yet she cannot boast of what she has done as any great achievement. She has only kept things in the home running smoothly; often weary and perplexed, she has tried to speak kindly to the children, to keep them busy and happy, and to guide the little feet in the right path. She feels that she has accomplished nothing. But it is not so. Heavenly angels watch the care- worn mother, noting the burdens she carries day by day. Her name may not have been heard in the world, but it is written in the Lamb's book of life. MH 376.2"
Both passages highlight the value and eventual recognition of a mother's work. Proverbs 31:28 describes the praise a virtuous woman receives, while the EGW passage assures mothers that their efforts are noted by God, even if unappreciated by others.
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Proverbs 31:29 "Many daughters have done virtuously, but thou excellest them all."
Direct citation 99% MH 359.4
"“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 31:29.
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