"Upon whom rests this great sin? If home had been made attractive, if the parents had manifested affection for their children, and with kindness found employment for them, and in love instructed them how to obey their wishes, they would have touched an answering chord in their hearts, and willing feet and hands and hearts would all have readily obeyed them. By controlling themselves, and speaking kindly, and praising the children when they try to do right, parents may encourage their efforts, make them very happy, and throw over the family circle a charm which will chase away every dark shadow and bring cheerful sunlight in. 1T 385.1"
"And, ye fathers, provoke not your children to wrath: but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord."
The EGW passage provides practical examples of how to avoid provoking children to wrath, such as creating an attractive home environment, showing affection, and providing loving instruction. This directly relates to the principle in Ephesians 6:4 of not provoking children to wrath but bringing them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord.
"Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it."
The EGW passage expands on the principle of training up a child by focusing on creating an attractive home environment, showing affection, and providing loving instruction, all contributing to the child's positive development and adherence to parental guidance, which aligns with the principle in Proverbs 22:6.
"A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger."
Both passages emphasize the power of gentle and kind words in interpersonal relationships, particularly within the family. The proverb speaks directly to the effect of a 'soft answer,' while EGW elaborates on the positive impact of kindness and praise in the home.
"Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers."
Both passages address the importance of wholesome and edifying communication. Ephesians 4:29 warns against corrupt communication, while EGW emphasizes the positive impact of kind and encouraging words within the family.