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…
"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."
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.
"Likewise, ye husbands, dwell with them according to knowledge, giving honour unto the wife, as unto the weaker vessel, and as being heirs together of the grace of life; that your prayers be not hindered."
Both passages address the husband's responsibility to treat his wife with understanding and honor, acknowledging her potential weakness and the importance of their relationship for spiritual well-being. The EGW passage expands on the practical implications of neglecting this principle, as outlined in 1 Peter 3:7.
"Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:"
Both passages address the devil's activity. EGW speaks of aiding the 'great enemy,' while 1 Peter speaks of the devil as a 'roaring lion' seeking to devour.
"For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places."
Both passages discuss the influence of Satan/spiritual forces in human affairs. EGW speaks of Satan 'tearing down' the family, while Ephesians speaks of wrestling against spiritual wickedness.
"Bear ye one another’s burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ."
The EGW passage describes the wife's burdens and the husband's lack of support. Galatians 6:2 encourages believers to bear one another's burdens. While not a direct quote, the principle of mutual support is present in both passages.
"Lest Satan should get an advantage of us: for we are not ignorant of his devices."
Both passages discuss Satan's devices. EGW speaks of not realizing one is aiding the enemy, while 2 Corinthians speaks of not being ignorant of his devices.
"Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light."
The EGW passage describes a wife who is weary and discouraged, lacking hope and cheerfulness. Matthew 11:28-30 offers rest to those who are weary and heavy laden. While not a direct allusion, the theme of finding relief from burdens is present in both passages.
"Let the husband render unto the wife due benevolence: and likewise also the wife unto the husband. The wife hath not power of her own body, but the husband: and likewise also the husband hath not power of his own body, but the wife. Defraud ye not one the other, except it be with consent for a time, that ye may give yourselves to fasting and prayer; and come together again, that Satan tempt you not for your incontinency."
Both passages address the importance of mutual respect and consideration within marriage. The EGW passage highlights the husband's lack of understanding and support, while 1 Corinthians 7:3-5 emphasizes the need for both husband and wife to fulfill their marital duties and avoid creating opportunities for temptation. The connection lies in the shared theme of marital harmony and the potential for problems when this harmony is disrupted.