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
Psalms 37:1-2
"Fret not thyself because of evildoers, neither be thou envious against the workers of iniquity. For they shall soon be cut down like the grass, and wither as the green herb."
"The Messenger party framed all manner of falsehoods concerning us. These words of the psalmist were often brought forcibly to my mind: “Fret not thyself because of evildoers, neither be thou envious against the workers of iniquity. For they shall soon be cut down like the grass, and wither as the green herb.” Some of the writers of that sheet even triumphed over the feebleness of my husband, saying that God would take care of him, and remove him out of the way. When he read this as he lay sick, faith revived, and he exclaimed: “I shall not die, but live, and declare the works of the Lord, and may yet preach at their funeral.” 1T 96.3"
EGW directly quotes Psalm 37:1-2, making this an explicit allusion. The context in EGW's writing shows that she is using the verse to encourage herself and others not to be discouraged by the actions of evildoers.
Psalms 37:2
"For they shall soon be cut down like the grass, and wither as the green herb."
"The Lord had shown me the character and final come-out of that party; that His frown was upon those connected with that paper, and His hand was against them. And although they might appear to prosper for a time, and some honest ones be deceived, yet truth would eventually triumph, and every honest soul would break away from the deception which had held him, and come out clear from the influence of those wicked men; as God's hand was against them, they must go down. 1T 96.1"
The EGW passage describes the eventual downfall of those who are opposed to God. Psalm 37:2 speaks of the wicked being quickly cut down. Both passages convey the idea of the temporary nature of the prosperity of the wicked and their ultimate demise.
Psalms 37:3
"Trust in the Lord, and do good; so shalt thou dwell in the land, and verily thou shalt be fed."
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 wate…
EGW directly quotes Psalm 37:3 and provides the reference.
"“Trust in the Lord, and do good; So shalt thou dwell in the land, and verily thou shalt be fed.” Psalm 37:3 . MH 189.2"
Ellen White directly references Psalms 37:3 in this passage.
"The psalmist says, “Trust in the Lord, and do good; so shalt thou dwell in the land, and verily thou shalt be fed.” Psalm 37:3 . “Trust in the Lord.” Each day has its burdens, its cares and perplexities; and when we meet how ready we are to talk of our difficulties and trials. So many borrowed troubles intrude, so many fears are indulged, such a weight of anxiety is expressed, that one might suppose we had no pitying, loving Saviour ready to hear all our requests and to be to us a present help in every time of need. SC 121.2"
Ellen White directly references Psalms 37:3 in this passage.
Psalms 37:5
"Commit thy way unto the Lord; trust also in him; and he shall bring it to pass."
"“Commit thy way unto the Lord; trust also in Him; and He shall bring it to pass.... He shall bring forth thy righteousness as the light, and thy judgment as the noonday.” Psalm 37:5, 6 . Ed 257.2"
EGW directly quotes Psalm 37:5.
"But when we give ourselves wholly to God and in our work follow His directions, He makes Himself responsible for its accomplishment. He would not have us conjecture as to the success of our honest endeavors. Not once should we even think of failure. We are to co-operate with One who knows no failure. COL 363.1"
Both passages encourage trusting in God and committing our way to Him, with the promise that He will bring it to pass or be responsible for the outcome. The EGW quote focuses on following God's directions and not doubting, while Psalm 37:5 emphasizes commitment and trust. The connection is thematic and supportive.
"Work in faith, and leave results with God. Pray in faith, and the mystery of His providence will bring its answer. At times it may seem that you cannot succeed. But work and believe, putting into your efforts faith, hope, and courage. After doing what you can, wait for the Lord, declaring His faithfulness, and He will bring His word to pass. Wait, not in fretful anxiety, but in undaunted faith and unshaken trust. 7T 245.2"
The EGW passage closely aligns with the sentiment of Psalm 37:5. Both passages encourage trusting in the Lord and committing one's way to Him, with the assurance that He will bring it to pass. The emphasis on waiting for the Lord after doing what one can is a clear parallel.
"trust in God is what He requires. 2T 601.1"
Both passages emphasize the importance of trusting in God. While the wording differs, the core message is the same.
"With the counsel and encouragement given Joash, the work of Elisha closed. He upon whom had fallen in full measure the spirit resting upon Elijah, had proved faithful to the end. Never had he wavered. Never had he lost his trust in the power of Omnipotence. Always, when the way before him seemed utterly closed, he had still advanced by faith, and God had honored his confidence and opened the way before him. PK 263.2"
The EGW passage illustrates the principle of committing one's way to the Lord and trusting in Him, as described in Psalms 37:5. Elisha's example embodies this principle.
"“We had not looked about the place long,” wrote one of the committeemen, “before there began to steal over us a conviction that, after all, Washington might be the place for our headquarters. The longer we continued to search, the deeper this conviction grew. We found conditions here far more in harmony with the counsel ... received, than we had found anywhere else.” The Review and Herald, August 20, 1903 . LS 393.2"
The EGW passage describes a situation where the committee's conviction grew as they trusted in the counsel they received, aligning with the idea of committing one's way to the Lord and trusting that He will bring it to pass.
"The prophet and these fathers did not regard the people of the land as worshipers of the true God, and though these professed friendship and wished to help them, they dared not unite with them in anything relating to His worship. When going up to Jerusalem to build the temple of God and to restore His worship, they would not ask help of the king to assist them in the way, but by fasting and prayer sought the Lord for help. They believed that God would defend and prosper His servants in their efforts to serve Him. The Creator of all things needs not the help of His enemies to establish His worship. He asks not the sacrifice of wickedness, nor accepts the offerings of those who have other gods before the Lord. 1T 282.2"
The EGW passage illustrates the principle of trusting God rather than relying on worldly help, aligning with the sentiment of committing one's way to the Lord in Psalm 37:5. The context of rebuilding the temple emphasizes reliance on God's provision and protection.
Psalms 37:6
"And he shall bring forth thy righteousness as the light, and thy judgment as the noonday."
"“Commit thy way unto the Lord; trust also in Him; and He shall bring it to pass.... He shall bring forth thy righteousness as the light, and thy judgment as the noonday.” Psalm 37:5, 6 . Ed 257.2"
EGW directly quotes Psalm 37:6.
"Christ desires nothing so much as to redeem His heritage from the dominion of Satan. But before we are delivered from Satan's power without, we must be delivered from his power within. The Lord permits trials in order that we may be cleansed from earthliness, from selfishness, from harsh, unchristlike traits of character. He suffers the deep waters of affliction to go over our souls in order that we may know Him and Jesus Christ whom He has sent, in order that we may have deep heart longings to be cleansed from defilement, and may come forth from the trial purer, holier, happier. Often we enter the furnace of trial with our souls darkened with selfishness; but if patient under the crucial test, we shall come forth reflecting the divine character. When His purpose in the affliction is accomplished, “He shall bring forth thy righteousness as the light, and thy judgment as the noonday.” Psalm 37:6 . COL 174.3"
Ellen White directly references Psalms 37:6 in this passage.
Psalms 37:7
"Rest in the Lord, and wait patiently for him: fret not thyself because of him who prospereth in his way, because of the man who bringeth wicked devices to pass."
"Jesus says, “Abide in Me.” These words convey the idea of rest, stability, confidence. Again He invites, “Come unto Me, ... and I will give you rest.” Matthew 11:28 . The words of the psalmist express the same thought: “Rest in the Lord, and wait patiently for Him.” And Isaiah gives the assurance, “In quietness and in confidence shall be your strength.” Psalm 37:7 ; Isaiah 30:15 . This rest is not found in inactivity; for in the Saviour's invitation the promise of rest is united with the call to labor: “Take My yoke upon you: ... and ye shall find rest.” Matthew 11:29 . The heart that rests most fully upon Christ will be most earnest and active in labor for Him. SC 71.1"
Ellen White directly references Psalms 37:7 in this passage.
Psalms 37:10
"For yet a little while, and the wicked shall not be: yea, thou shalt diligently consider his place, and it shall not be."
In consequence of Adam's sin, death passed upon the whole human race. All alike go down into the grave. And through the provisions of the plan of salvation, all are to be brought forth from their graves. “There shall be a resurrection of the dead, both of the just and unjust;” “for as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive.” Acts 24:15 ; 1 Corinthians 15:22 . But a distinction is made between the two classes that are brought forth. “All that are in the graves shall hear His voice, and shall come forth; they that have done good, unto the resurrection of life; and they that have done evil, unto the resurrection of damnation.” John 5:28, 29 . They who have been “accounted worthy” of the resurrection of life are “blessed and holy.” “On such the second death hath no power.” Revelation 20:6 . But those who have not, through repentance and faith, secured pardon, must receive the penalty of transgression—“the wages of sin.” They suffer punishment varying in duration and int…
Ellen White directly references Psalms 37:10 in this passage.
"Then the end will come. God will vindicate His law and deliver His people. Satan and all who have joined him in rebellion will be cut off. Sin and sinners will perish, root and branch, ( Malachi 4:1 ),—Satan the root, and his followers the branches. The word will be fulfilled to the prince of evil, “Because thou hast set thine heart as the heart of God; ... I will destroy thee, O covering cherub, from the midst of the stones of fire.... Thou shalt be a terror, and never shalt thou be any more.” Then “the wicked shall not be: yea, thou shalt diligently consider his place, and it shall not be;” “they shall be as though they had not been.” Ezekiel 28:6-19 ; Psalm 37:10 ; Obadiah 16 . DA 763.4"
Ellen White directly references Psalms 37:10 in this passage.
Psalms 37:11
"But the meek shall inherit the earth; and shall delight themselves in the abundance of peace."
"shall delight themselves in the abundance of peace.” Daniel 7:27 ; Psalm 37:11 . PP 169.4"
Ellen White directly references Psalms 37:11 in this passage.
"The meek “shall inherit the earth.” It was through the desire for self-exaltation that sin entered into the world, and our first parents lost the dominion over this fair earth, their kingdom. It is through self-abnegation that Christ redeems what was lost. And He says we are to overcome as He did. Revelation 3:21 . Through humility and self-surrender we may become heirs with Him when “the meek shall inherit the earth.” Psalm 37:11 . MB 17.2"
Ellen White directly references Psalms 37:11 in this passage.
Psalms 37:12
"The wicked plotteth against the just, and gnasheth upon him with his teeth."
"When the monarch heard these words, he saw at once the snare that had been set for his faithful servant. He saw that it was not zeal for kingly glory and honor, but jealousy against Daniel, that had led to the proposal for a royal decree. “Sore displeased with himself” for his part in the evil that had been wrought, he “labored till the going down of the sun” to deliver his friend. The princes, anticipating this effort on the part of the king, came to him with the words, “Know, O king, that the law of the Medes and Persians is, that no decree nor statute which the king establisheth may be changed.” The decree, though rashly made, was unalterable and must be carried into effect. PK 543.1"
The EGW passage describes the princes' plot against Daniel, driven by jealousy, and the king's regret. Psalm 37:12 speaks of the wicked plotting against the just. While not a direct quote, the thematic parallel is evident.
"The more blameless the conduct of Daniel, the greater was the hatred excited against him by his enemies. They were filled with madness, because they could find nothing in his moral character or in the discharge of his duties upon which to base a complaint against him. “Then said these men, We shall not find any occasion against this Daniel, except we find it against him concerning the law of his God” ( verse 5 ). Three times a day Daniel prayed to the God of heaven. This was the only accusation that could be brought against him. SL 43.1"
Both passages deal with the hatred and plotting of the wicked against the righteous. While not a direct quote, the theme is clearly paralleled.
Psalms 37:18
"The Lord knoweth the days of the upright: and their inheritance shall be for ever."
"“The Lord knoweth the days of the upright: and their inheritance shall be forever. They shall not be ashamed in the evil time: and in the days of famine they shall be satisfied.” Psalm 37:18, 19 . Ed 141"
EGW directly quotes Psalm 37:18.
Psalms 37:19
"They shall not be ashamed in the evil time: and in the days of famine they shall be satisfied."
But you are as a child who is not yet placed in control of his inheritance. God does not entrust to you your precious possession, lest Satan by his wily arts should beguile you, as he did the first pair in Eden. Christ holds it for you, safe beyond the spoiler's reach. Like the child, you shall receive day by day what is required for the day's need. Every day you are to pray, “Give us this day our daily bread.” Be not dismayed if you have not sufficient for tomorrow. You have the assurance of His promise, “So shalt thou dwell in the land, and verily thou shalt be fed.” David says, “I have been young, and now am old; yet have I not seen the righteous forsaken, nor his seed begging bread.” Psalm 37:3, 25 . That God who sent the ravens to feed Elijah by the brook Cherith will not pass by one of His faithful, self-sacrificing children. Of him that walketh righteously it is written: “Bread shall be given him; his waters shall be sure.” “They shall not be ashamed in the evil time: and in the…
Ellen White directly references Psalms 37:19 in this passage.
In the last great conflict of the controversy with Satan those who are loyal to God will see every earthly support cut off. Because they refuse to break His law in obedience to earthly powers, they will be forbidden to buy or sell. It will finally be decreed that they shall be put to death. See Revelation 13:11-17 . But to the obedient is given the promise, “He shall dwell on high: his place of defense shall be the munitions of rocks: bread shall be given him; his waters shall be sure.” Isaiah 33:16 . By this promise the children of God will live. When the earth shall be wasted with famine, they shall be fed. “They shall not be ashamed in the evil time: and in the days of famine they shall be satisfied.” Psalm 37:19 . To that time of distress the prophet Habakkuk looked forward, and his words express the faith of the church: “Although the fig tree shall not blossom, neither shall fruit be in the vines; the labor of the olive shall fail, and the fields shall yield no meat; the flock sha…
Ellen White directly references Psalms 37:19 in this passage.
Psalms 37:21
"The wicked borroweth, and payeth not again: but the righteous sheweth mercy, and giveth."
"“Give to him that asketh thee, and from him that would borrow of thee turn not thou away.” “The wicked borroweth, and payeth not again: but the righteous showeth mercy, and giveth.” Matthew 5:42 ; Psalm 37:21 . MH 188.2"
Ellen White directly references Psalms 37:21 in this passage.
Psalms 37:28
"For the Lord loveth judgment, and forsaketh not his saints; they are preserved for ever: but the seed of the wicked shall be cut off."
"God had permitted trials to come upon His people to prepare them for the accomplishment of His gracious purpose toward them. The church had been brought low, that she might be exalted. God was about to display His power in her behalf, to give to the world another evidence that He will not forsake those who trust in Him. He had overruled events to cause the wrath of Satan and the plots of evil men to advance His glory and to bring His people to a place of security. Persecution and exile were opening the way to freedom. GC 291.2"
The Psalm speaks of God's faithfulness to His saints and their preservation, while the EGW passage discusses God's protection and ultimate deliverance of His people through trials. The core theme of God's unwavering support for those who trust in Him connects the two passages strongly.
Psalms 37:29
"The righteous shall inherit the land, and dwell therein for ever."
"With such an army of workers as our youth, rightly trained, might furnish, how soon the message of a crucified, risen, and soon-coming Saviour might be carried to the whole world! How soon might the end come —the end of suffering and sorrow and sin! How soon, in place of a possession here, with its blight of sin and pain, our children might receive their inheritance where “the righteous shall inherit the land, and dwell therein forever;” where “the inhabitant shall not say, I am sick,” and “the voice of weeping shall be no more heard.” Psalm 37:29 ; Isaiah 33:24 ; 65:19 . Ed 271.2"
Ellen White directly references Psalms 37:29 in this passage.
"Satan, by means of his success in turning man aside from the path of obedience, became “the god of this world.” 2 Corinthians 4:4 . The dominion that once was Adam's passed to the usurper. But the Son of God proposed to come to this earth to pay the penalty of sin, and thus not only redeem man, but recover the dominion forfeited. It is of this restoration that Micah prophesied when he said, “O Tower of the flock, the stronghold of the daughter of Zion, unto Thee shall it come, even the first dominion.” Micah 4:8 . The apostle Paul has referred to it as “the redemption of the purchased possession.” Ephesians 1:14 . And the psalmist had in mind the same final restoration of man's original inheritance when he declared, “The righteous shall inherit the land, and dwell therein forever.” Psalm 37:29 . PK 682.1"
Ellen White directly references Psalms 37:29 in this passage.
in bondage.” 2 Peter 2:19 . When man became Satan's captive, the dominion which he held, passed to his conqueror. Thus Satan became “the god of this world.” 2 Corinthians 4:4 . He had usurped that dominion over the earth which had been originally given to Adam. But Christ, by His sacrifice paying the penalty of sin, would not only redeem man, but recover the dominion which he had forfeited. All that was lost by the first Adam will be restored by the second. Says the prophet, “O tower of the flock, the stronghold of the daughter of Zion, unto thee shall it come, even the first dominion.” Micah 4:8 . And the apostle Paul points forward to the “redemption of the purchased possession.” Ephesians 1:14 . God created the earth to be the abode of holy, happy beings. The Lord “formed the earth and made it; He hath established it, He created it not in vain, He formed it to be inhabited.” Isaiah 45:18 . That purpose will be fulfilled, when, renewed by the power of God, and freed from sin and sorr…
Ellen White directly references Psalms 37:29 in this passage.
Christ desires to use every student as His agent. You are to co-operate with the One who gave His life for you. What rich blessings would come to our schools if teachers and students would consecrate themselves, heart, mind, soul, and strength, to God's service as His helping hand! His helping hand—that is what you may be if you will yield yourselves to His keeping. He will lead you safely, and enable you to make straight paths for yourselves and for others. He will give you knowledge and wisdom, and a fitness for fuller service. CT 555.1 ***** With such an army of workers as our youth, rightly trained, might furnish, how soon the message of a crucified, risen, and soon-coming Saviour might be carried to the whole world! How soon might the end come —the end of suffering and sorrow and sin! How soon, in place of a possession here, with its blight of sin and pain, our children might receive their inheritance where “the righteous shall inherit the land, and dwell therein forever;” where “…
Ellen White directly references Psalms 37:29 in this passage.
"***** With such an army of workers as our youth, rightly trained, might furnish, how soon the message of a crucified, risen, and soon-coming Saviour might be carried to the whole world! How soon might the end come, —the end of suffering and sorrow and sin! How soon, in place of a possession here, with its blight of sin and pain, our children might receive their inheritance where “the righteous shall inherit the land, and dwell therein forever;” where “the inhabitant shall not say, I am sick,” and “the voice of weeping shall be no more heard!” [ Psalm 37:29 ; Isaiah 33:24 ; 65:19 .]— Education, 271 . GW 66.2"
Ellen White directly references Psalms 37:29 in this passage.
Psalms 37:35
"I have seen the wicked in great power, and spreading himself like a green bay tree."
"So the Lord magnifies Himself as the true and living God. Well might David exclaim: “I have seen the wicked in great power, and spreading himself like a green bay tree. Yet he passed away, and, lo, he was not: yea, I sought him, but he could not be found.” Psalm 37:35, 36 . Let men become lifted up in pride, and the Lord will not sustain them and keep them from falling. Let a church become proud and boastful, not depending on God, not exalting His power, and that church will surely be left by the Lord, to be brought down to the ground. Let a people glory in wealth, intellect, knowledge, or in anything but Christ, and they will soon be brought to confusion. 8T 127.2"
EGW directly quotes Psalm 37:35, making this an explicit allusion.
Psalms 37:37
"Mark the perfect man, and behold the upright: for the end of that man is peace."
"Jacob's last years brought an evening of tranquillity and repose after a troubled and weary day. Clouds had gathered dark above his path, yet his sun set clear, and the radiance of heaven illumined his parting hours. Says the Scripture, “At evening time it shall be light.” Zechariah 14:7 . “Mark the perfect man, and behold the upright: for the end of that man is peace.” Psalm 37:37 . PP 237.3"
Ellen White directly references Psalms 37:37 in this passage.
Psalms 37:38
"But the transgressors shall be destroyed together: the end of the wicked shall be cut off."
"the feet of the saints, and to acknowledge that God has loved them because they held fast the truth and kept God's commandments, and until all the unrighteous ones are destroyed from the earth. EW 124.1"
Both passages speak of the destruction of the wicked. EGW's statement about the destruction of the unrighteous directly echoes the sentiment in Psalms 37:38.