"Parents cannot succeed well in the government of their children until they first have perfect control of themselves. They must first learn to subdue themselves, to control their words, and the very expression of the countenance. They should not suffer the tones of their voice to be disturbed or agitated with excitement and passion. Then they can have a decided influence over their children. Children may wish to do right, they may purpose in their hearts to be obedient and kind to their parents or guardians; but they need help and encouragement from them. They may make good resolutions; but unless their principles are strengthened by religion and their lives influenced by the renewing grace of God, they will fail to come up to the mark. 1T 399.2"
"He that is slow to anger is better than the mighty; and he that ruleth his spirit than he that taketh a city."
The EGW passage directly echoes the principle of self-control being superior to physical strength or worldly power, as stated in Proverbs 16:32. Both emphasize the importance of ruling one's own spirit, particularly in the context of parenting.
Parents should redouble their efforts for the salvation of their children. They should faithfully instruct them, not leaving them to gather up their education as best they can. The young should not be suffered to learn good and evil indiscriminately, with the idea that at some future time the good will predominate and the evil lose its influence. The evil will increase faster than the good. It is possible that the evil they have learned may be eradicated after many years; but who will venture this? Time is short. It is easier and much safer to sow clean and good seed in the hearts of your children than to pluck up the weeds afterward. It is the duty of parents to watch lest surrounding influences have an injurious effect upon their children. It is their duty to select the society for them and not suffer them to choose for themselves. Who will attend to this work if the parents do not? Can others have that interest for your children which you should have? Can they have that constant car…
"Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it."
The EGW passage elaborates on the principle of Proverbs 22:6, emphasizing the importance of early and consistent training of children. It expands on the idea of 'training up a child' by detailing the need for parental involvement in education and guarding against negative influences.
"Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap."
The EGW passage uses the metaphor of sowing seeds to illustrate the impact of early influences on children, which aligns with the principle of reaping what you sow in Galatians 6:7. While not a direct quote, the underlying concept of consequences based on actions is present in both.
"My son, hear the instruction of thy father, and forsake not the law of thy mother:"
The EGW passage aligns with the principle of Proverbs 1:8, which encourages children to heed the instruction of their parents. EGW emphasizes the parents' role in instructing and guiding their children, which directly reflects the wisdom of Proverbs.
"But while men slept, his enemy came and sowed tares among the wheat, and went his way."
The EGW passage uses the imagery of sowing good seed and preventing weeds, which is thematically similar to the parable of the wheat and tares in Matthew 13:25. Both passages highlight the importance of planting good influences early and guarding against negative ones.