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 9:8
"Reprove not a scorner, lest he hate thee: rebuke a wise man, and he will love thee."
"them know that it is not pleasing. They must repulse this forwardness even if they are thought to be rude. Such things should be rebuked in order to save the cause from reproach. Young women who have been converted to the truth and to God will listen to reproof and will be reformed. 1T 381.1"
Both passages deal with the importance of reproof and how different people respond to it. The EGW passage applies the principle to a specific situation, making the connection more direct than a mere thematic parallel.
Proverbs 9:10
"The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom: and the knowledge of the holy is understanding."
"Ahithophel had been held in high esteem for his wisdom, but he was destitute of the enlightenment which comes from God. “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom” ( Proverbs 9:10 ); and this, Ahithophel did not possess, or he could hardly have based the success of treason upon the crime of incest. Men of corrupt hearts plot wickedness, as if there were no overruling Providence to cross their designs; but “He that sitteth in the heavens shall laugh: the Lord shall have them in derision.” Psalm 2:4 . The Lord declares: “They would none of My counsel: they despised all My reproof. Therefore shall they eat of the fruit of their own way, and be filled with their own devices. For the turning away of the simple shall slay them, and the prosperity of fools shall destroy them.” Proverbs 1:30-32 . PP 739.1"
The EGW passage directly quotes Proverbs 9:10 and uses it as a basis for discussing Ahithophel's lack of true wisdom.
"This is the knowledge needed by all who are working for the uplifting of their fellow men. Transformation of character, purity of life, efficiency in service, adherence to correct principles, all depend upon a right knowledge of God. This knowledge is the essential preparation both for this life and for the life to come. MH 409.3 “The knowledge of the Holy is understanding.” Proverbs 9:10 . MH 409.4"
The EGW passage directly quotes Proverbs 9:10, making it a clear and explicit allusion.
"A principle of divine origin must pervade our conduct and bind us to God. This will not be in any way a hindrance to the study of true science. “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom” ( Proverbs 9:10 ); and the man who consents to be molded and fashioned after the divine similitude is the noblest work of God. All who live in communion with the Creator will have an understanding of His design in their creation. They will have a sense of their own accountability to God to employ their faculties to the very best purpose. They will seek neither to glorify nor to depreciate themselves.... CT 364.3"
Ellen White directly references Proverbs 9:10 in this passage.
"Solomon declares that “the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.” Proverbs 9:10 . Concerning the value and importance of this wisdom, he writes: “Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding.” Proverbs 4:7 . “For the merchandise of it is better than the merchandise of silver, and the gain thereof than fine gold. She is more precious than rubies: and all the things thou canst desire are not to be compared unto her.” Proverbs 3:14, 15 . CT 50.2"
Ellen White directly references Proverbs 9:10 in this passage.
"“The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the holy is understanding” [ Proverbs 9:10 .] The great work of life is character-building; and a knowledge of God is the foundation of all true education. To impart this knowledge, and to mould the character in harmony with it, should be the object of the teacher's work. The law of God is a reflection of his character. Hence the psalmist says, “All thy commandments are righteousness;” [ Psalm 119:172 .] and “through thy precepts I get understanding.” [ Psalm 119:104 .] God has revealed himself to us in his word and in the works of creation. Through the volume of inspiration and the book of nature, we are to obtain a knowledge of God. CE 64.3"
Ellen White directly references Proverbs 9:10 in this passage.
"There is another kind of education that is very different. Its fundamental principle, as stated by the greatest Teacher the world has ever known, is, “Seek ye first the kingdom of God, and His righteousness.” Matthew 6:33 . Its aim is not selfish; its purpose is to honor God and to serve Him in the world. Both the studies pursued and the industrial training sought have this object in view. The word of God is studied; a vital connection with God is maintained, and the better feelings and traits of character are brought into exercise. This kind of education produces results as lasting as eternity. “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom” ( Proverbs 9:10 ), and better than all knowledge is an understanding of His word. CT 64.3"
Ellen White directly references Proverbs 9:10 in this passage.
"“The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom: and the knowledge of the Holy is understanding.” Proverbs 9:10 . The great work of life is character building, and a knowledge of God is the foundation of all true education. To impart this knowledge and to mold the character in harmony with it should be the object of the teacher's work. The law of God is a reflection of His character. Hence the psalmist says, “All Thy commandments are righteousness;” and “through Thy precepts I get understanding.” Psalm 119:172, 104 . God has revealed Himself to us in His word and in the works of creation. Through the volume of inspiration and the book of nature we are to obtain a knowledge of God. PP 596.1"
Ellen White directly references Proverbs 9:10 in this passage.
"As Saul's hatred of David increased, he became more and more watchful to find an opportunity to take his life; but none of his plans against the anointed of the Lord were successful. Saul gave himself up to the control of the wicked spirit that ruled over him; while David trusted in Him who is mighty in counsel, and strong to deliver. “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom” ( Proverbs 9:10 ), and David's prayer was continually directed to God, that he might walk before Him in a perfect way. PP 651.1"
Ellen White directly references Proverbs 9:10 in this passage.
"All who become learners in the school of Christ excel both in the quality and the extent of their education. “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.” [ Proverbs 9:10 .] A knowledge of God and his requirements will open the understanding of the student to realize his responsibilities to God and to the world. To this end he will feel that his talents must be developed in that way which will produce the very best results. This cannot be done unless all the precepts and principles of religion are connected with his school education. In no case should he disconnect God from his studies. In the pursuit of knowledge, he is searching for truth; and all truth comes from God, the source of truth. Students who are virtuous, and are imbued with the Spirit of Christ, will grasp knowledge with all their faculties. Education acquired without Bible religion is disrobed of its true brightness and glory.— “Testimony,” No. 28. CE 246.1"
Ellen White directly references Proverbs 9:10 in this passage.
"The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom. Those who overcome as Christ overcame will need to constantly guard themselves against the temptations of Satan. The appetite and passions should be restricted and under the control of enlightened conscience, that the intellect may be unimpaired, the perceptive powers clear, so that the workings of Satan and his snares may not be interpreted to be the providence of God. Many desire the final reward and victory which are to be given to overcomers, but are not willing to endure toil, privation, and denial of self, as did their Redeemer. It is only through obedience and continual effort that we shall overcome as Christ overcame. 3T 491.2"
The EGW passage directly quotes Proverbs 9:10, making it a clear and explicit allusion.
"When very young, children should be educated to read, to write, to understand figures, to keep their own accounts. They may go forward, advancing step by step in this knowledge. But before everything else, they should be taught that the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom. They should be educated line upon line, precept upon precept, here a little and there a little; but the one aim before the teacher should be to educate the children to know God, and Jesus Christ whom He has sent. CT 168.3"
The EGW passage directly echoes the sentiment of Proverbs 9:10, emphasizing the importance of fearing God as the foundation of wisdom, especially in the context of education.
"Fathers and mothers who make God first in their households, who teach their children that the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, glorify God before angels and before men by presenting to the world a well- ordered, well-disciplined family, a family that love and obey God instead of rebelling against Him. Christ is not a stranger in their homes; His name is a household name, revered and glorified. Angels delight in a home where God reigns supreme, and the children are taught to reverence religion, the Bible, and their Creator. Such families can claim the promise: “Them that honor Me I will honor.” As from such a home the father goes forth to his daily duties, it is with a spirit softened and subdued by converse with God. He is a Christian, not only in his profession, but in trade, in all his business relations. He does his work with fidelity, knowing that the eye of God is upon him. 5T 424.2"
EGW directly quotes the phrase "the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom," making it an explicit allusion to Proverbs 9:10. The surrounding context in EGW's writing reinforces the importance of this principle in family life.
"In vain were the king's threats. He could not turn the men from their allegiance to the Ruler of the universe. From the history of their fathers they had learned that disobedience to God results in dishonor, disaster, and death; and that the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, the foundation of all true prosperity. Calmly facing the furnace, they said, “O Nebuchadnezzar, we are not careful to answer thee in this matter. If it be so [if this is your decision], our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and He will deliver us out of thine hand, O king.” Their faith strengthened as they declared that God would be glorified by delivering them, and with triumphant assurance born of implicit trust in God, they added, “But if not, be it known unto thee, O king, that we will not serve thy gods, nor worship the golden image which thou hast set up.” PK 507.3"
EGW directly quotes and applies Proverbs 9:10 in the context of the story of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego.
***** Chapter 50—Responsibilities of the Physician “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.” Professional men, whatever their calling, need divine wisdom. But the physician is in special need of this wisdom in dealing with all classes of minds and diseases. He occupies a position even more responsible than that of the minister of the gospel. He is called to be a colaborer with Christ, and he needs stanch religious principles and a firm connection with the God of wisdom. If he takes counsel of God he will have the Great Healer to work with his efforts, and he will move with the greatest caution lest by his mismanagement he injure one of God's creatures. He will be firm as a rock to principle, yet kind and courteous to all. He will feel the responsibility of his position, and his practice will show that he is actuated by pure, unselfish motives and a desire to adorn the doctrine of Christ in all things. Such a physician will possess a heaven-born dignity and will be a powerful a…
The EGW passage directly quotes Proverbs 9:10 and builds upon it, applying the principle of fearing the Lord as the beginning of wisdom to the specific context of a physician's responsibilities.
"The teacher may understand many things in regard to the physical universe; he may know all about the structure of living things, the inventions of mechanical art, the discoveries of natural science; but he cannot be called educated unless he has a knowledge of the only true God and of Jesus Christ, whom He has sent. A principle of divine origin must pervade our conduct and bind us to God. This will not be in any way a hindrance to the study of true science. The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and the man who consents to be molded and fashioned after the divine similitude is the noblest specimen of the work of God. All who live in communion with our Creator will have an understanding of His design in their creation, and they will realize that God holds them accountable to employ their faculties to the very best purpose. They will seek neither to glorify nor to depreciate themselves. 8T 62.3"
EGW explicitly states 'The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom,' which is a direct quote from Proverbs 9:10.
"A thorough education, which will fit young men and women for service, is to be given in our schools. In order to secure such an education the wisdom that comes from God must be made first and most important. All who engage in the acquisition of knowledge should strive to reach the highest round of the ladder. Let students advance as fast and as far as they can; let the field of their study be as broad as their powers can compass; but let them make God their wisdom, clinging to Him who is infinite in knowledge, who can reveal secrets hidden for ages, and who can solve the most difficult problems for minds that believe in Him. CT 394.2"
Both passages highlight the importance of fearing the Lord and seeking wisdom from God as the foundation for true understanding and education.
"A Personal Appeal I appeal to the teachers in our educational institutions not to let religious earnestness and zeal retrograde. Make no backward movements, but let your watchword be: “Advance.” Our schools must rise to a much higher plane of action; broader views must be held; stronger faith and deeper piety must exist; the word of God must be made the root and branch of all wisdom and intellectual attainments. When the converting power of God takes hold of them, they will see that a knowledge of God covers a much broader field than the so-called “advance methods” of education. In all the education given, they should remember the words of Christ: “Ye are the light of the world.” Matthew 5:14 . Then they will not experience so great hindrance in preparing missionaries to go out and give their knowledge to others. 6T 157"
The EGW quote directly connects the fear of the Lord and knowledge of the holy with wisdom and understanding, which is the core message of Proverbs 9:10. The passage emphasizes that true wisdom begins with a relationship with God.
"Neither by searching the recesses of the earth nor in vain endeavors to penetrate the mysteries of God's being is wisdom found. It is found, rather, in humbly receiving the revelation that He has been pleased to give, and in conforming the life to His will. 8T 280.3"
The EGW passage echoes the principle in Proverbs 9:10 that true wisdom begins with reverence for God. While not a direct quote, the connection is clear and meaningful.
"beseeching the aid of the Holy Spirit. A sense of the power and wisdom of God, and of our inability to comprehend His greatness, should inspire us with humility, and we should open His word, as we would enter His presence, with holy awe. When we come to the Bible, reason must acknowledge an authority superior to itself, and heart and intellect must bow to the great I AM. SC 109.3"
Both passages connect the fear of the Lord with wisdom and understanding. EGW expands on this by linking it to humility and approaching God's word with reverence.
"While the Waldenses regarded the fear of the Lord as the beginning of wisdom, they were not blind to the importance of a contact with the world, a knowledge of men and of active life, in expanding the mind and quickening the perceptions. From their schools in the mountains some of the youth were sent to institutions of learning in the cities of France or Italy, where was a more extended field for study, thought, and observation than in their native Alps. The youth thus sent forth were exposed to temptation, they witnessed vice, they encountered Satan's wily agents, who urged upon them the most subtle heresies and the most dangerous deceptions. But their education from childhood had been of a character to prepare them for all this. GC 69.3"
The EGW passage directly references the principle that 'the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom' and connects it to the Waldenses' approach to education. This aligns directly with Proverbs 9:10.
"If the youth understood their own weakness, they would find in God their strength. If they seek to be taught by Him they will become wise in His wisdom, and their lives will be fruitful in blessing to the world. But if they give up their minds to mere worldly and speculative study, and thus separate from God, they will lose all that enriches life.— The Ministry of Healing, 439-450 . CT 388.3"
Both passages link the fear of the Lord/seeking God with the attainment of wisdom. The EGW passage expands on this by stating that seeking to be taught by God leads to wisdom and a fruitful life.
"The wisdom of God alone can unfold the mysteries of the plan of salvation. The wisdom of men may or may not be valuable, as experience shall prove; but the wisdom of God is indispensable. Miss what you may in the line of worldly attainments, but you must have faith in the pardon brought to you at infinite cost, or all the wisdom attained on earth will perish with you. CT 30.2"
Both passages connect wisdom with God. Proverbs 9:10 states that the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, while EGW states that the wisdom of God is indispensable for understanding salvation.
Proverbs 9:18
"But he knoweth not that the dead are there; and that her guests are in the depths of hell."
"“The lips of a strange woman drop as an honeycomb, and her mouth is smoother than oil: but her end is bitter as wormwood, sharp as a two-edged sword.” Proverbs 5:3, 4 . “Remove thy way far from her, and come not nigh the door of her house: lest thou give thine honor unto others, and thy years unto the cruel: lest strangers be filled with thy wealth; and thy labors be in the house of a stranger; and thou mourn at the last, when thy flesh and thy body are consumed.” Verses 8-11 . “Her house inclineth unto death.” “None that go unto her return again.” Proverbs 2:18, 19 . “Her guests are in the depths of hell.” Proverbs 9:18 . PP 461.2"
Ellen White directly references Proverbs 9:18 in this passage.