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 6:6
"Go to the ant, thou sluggard; consider her ways, and be wise:"
"A Lesson of Trust “Ask now the beasts, and they shall teach thee; and the fowls of the air, and they shall tell thee: ... and the fishes of the sea shall declare unto thee.” “Go to the ant; ... consider her ways.” “Behold the birds.” “Consider the ravens.” Job 12:7, 8 ; Proverbs 6:6 ; Matthew 6:26 , R.V.; Luke 12:24 . Ed 117"
Ellen White directly references Proverbs 6:6 in this passage.
The wisest of men may learn useful lessons from the ways and habits of the little creatures of the earth. The industrious bee gives to men of intelligence an example that they would do well to imitate. These insects observe perfect order, and no idler is allowed in the hive. They execute their appointed work with an intelligence and activity that are beyond our comprehension. The ants, which we consider as only pests to be crushed under our feet, are in many respects superior to man; for he does not as wisely improve the gifts of God. The wise man calls our attention to the small things of the earth: “Go to the ant, thou sluggard; consider her ways, and be wise: which having no guide, overseer, or ruler, provideth her meat in the summer, and gathereth her food in the harvest.” “The ants are a people not strong, yet they prepare their meat in the summer.” We may learn from these little teachers a lesson of faithfulness. Should we improve with the same diligence the faculties which an al…
The EGW passage directly quotes Proverbs 6:6 and elaborates on the lesson it teaches.
"***** God has no use for lazy men in His cause; He wants thoughtful, kind, affectionate, earnest workers. Active exertion will do our preachers good. Indolence is proof of depravity. Every faculty of the mind, every bone in the body, every muscle of the limbs, shows that God designed our faculties to be used, not to remain inactive.... Men who will unnecessarily take the hours of daylight for sleep, have no sense of the value of precious, golden moments.... GW 277.1"
Both passages address the importance of avoiding laziness and being industrious. The EGW quote echoes the sentiment of Proverbs 6:6, using similar imagery and urging action against sloth.
"Work is a blessing, not a curse. A spirit of indolence destroys godliness and grieves the Spirit of God. A stagnant pool is offensive, but a pure, flowing stream spreads health and gladness over the land. Paul knew that those who neglect physical work soon become enfeebled. He desired to teach young ministers that by working with their hands, by bringing into exercise their muscles and sinews, they would become strong to endure the toils and privations that awaited them in the gospel field. And he realized that his own teachings would lack vitality and force if he did not keep all parts of the system properly exercised. AA 352.3"
Both passages address the issue of laziness and the importance of diligence. Proverbs 6:6 uses the ant as an example for the sluggard, while EGW speaks against a spirit of indolence and its negative effects. The connection is thematic, focusing on the contrast between diligence and laziness.
Proverbs 6:6-8
"Go to the ant, thou sluggard; consider her ways, and be wise: Which having no guide, overseer, or ruler, Provideth her meat in the summer, and gathereth her food in the harvest."
"The wise man addresses the indolent in the words: “Go to the ant, thou sluggard; consider her ways, and be wise: which having no guide, overseer, or ruler, provideth her meat in the summer, and gathereth her food in the harvest.” Proverbs 6:6-8 . The habitations that the ants build for themselves show skill and perseverance. Only one little grain at a time can they handle, but by diligence and perseverance they accomplish wonders. CT 190.1"
Ellen White directly references Proverbs 6:6-8 in this passage.
Proverbs 6:16-19
"These six things doth the Lord hate: yea, seven are an abomination unto him: A proud look, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood, An heart that deviseth wicked imaginations, feet that be swift in running to mischief, A false witness that speaketh lies, and he that soweth discord among brethren."
Your course toward Brother D was abusive. His heart was stirred with the deepest sympathy for you. He had been your friend, but the fact that he disconnected from you was sufficient to create in you a spirit of jealousy which was as cruel as the grave. And this spirit was exercised against a blind man, one who should have had the kindest care and the deepest sympathy from all. It was your perverse and deceptive spirit which led others to sympathize with you rather than with him. When he saw that the clear light of the case could not be brought before the brethren, and was fully convinced that wrong was triumphing over right, his spirit was so wounded that he became desperate. It was then that he let go his hold upon God. A partial shock of paralysis came upon him. He was nearly ruined, mentally and physically. In the church meetings, matters of no special account were talked over, dwelt upon, and made the most of; and wrong, cruelly wrong impressions were made upon the minds of those p…
While not a direct quote, the actions described in EGW's passage (abuse, jealousy, deception, sowing discord) align with the list of things God hates in Proverbs 6:16-19. The connection is thematic, focusing on the consequences of malicious behavior.
Proverbs 6:17-19
"A proud look, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood, An heart that deviseth wicked imaginations, feet that be swift in running to mischief, A false witness that speaketh lies, and he that soweth discord among brethren."
"unwittingly borne false witness, if we have misstated his words, if we have injured his influence in any way, we should go to the ones with whom we have conversed about him, and take back all our injurious misstatements. MB 59.1"
Both passages address the sin of bearing false witness and its destructive consequences. EGW's statement about correcting misstatements directly relates to the Proverbs passage condemning a false witness.
Proverbs 6:19
"A false witness that speaketh lies, and he that soweth discord among brethren."
"Satan is working to crowd himself in everywhere. He would put asunder very friends. There are men who are ever talking and gossiping and bearing false witness, who sow the seeds of discord and engender strife. Heaven looks upon this class as Satan's most efficient servants. But the man who is injured is in a far less dangerous position than when fawned upon and extolled for a few of his efforts which appear successful. The commendation of apparent friends is more dangerous than reproach. 4T 607.2"
The EGW passage directly echoes the sentiment and specific phrase 'soweth discord' from Proverbs 6:19, making it more than just a thematic parallel.
Proverbs 6:20-22
"My son, keep thy father’s commandment, and forsake not the law of thy mother: Bind them continually upon thine heart, and tie them about thy neck. When thou goest, it shall lead thee; when thou sleepest, it shall keep thee; and when thou awakest, it shall talk with thee."
"Students, night and day the prayers of your parents are rising to God in your behalf; day by day their loving interest follows you. Listen to their entreaties and warnings, and determine that by every means in your power you will lift yourselves above the evil that surrounds you. You cannot discern how insidiously the enemy will work to corrupt your minds and habits, and develop in you unsound principles. CT 223.4"
The EGW passage emphasizes the importance of heeding parental advice and warnings, especially for students. Proverbs 6:20-22 directly instructs children to keep their parents' commandments and laws, highlighting the benefits of doing so. The connection is clear and relevant.
Proverbs 6:28
"Can one go upon hot coals, and his feet not be burned?"
"Those who are conversant with the classics declare that “the Greek tragedies are full of incest, murder, and human sacrifices to lustful and revengeful gods.” Far better would it be for the world were the education gained from such sources to be dispensed with. “Can one go upon hot coals, and his feet not be burned?” Proverbs 6:28 . “Who can bring a clean thing out of an unclean? not one.” Job 14:4 . Can we, then, expect the youth to develop Christian character while their education is molded by the teaching of those who set at defiance the principles of the law of God? CT 381.4"
Ellen White directly references Proverbs 6:28 in this passage.
"Those who are conversant with the classics declare that “the Greek tragedies are full of incest, murder, and human sacrifices to lustful and revengeful gods.” Far better would it be for the world were the education gained from such sources to be dispensed with. “Can one go upon hot coals, and his feet not be burned?” Proverbs 6:28 . “Who can bring a clean thing out of an unclean? not one.” Job 14:4 . Can we then expect the youth to develop Christian character while their education is molded by the teaching of those who set at defiance the principles of the law of God? MH 443.4"
Ellen White directly references Proverbs 6:28 in this passage.