"***** Chapter 77—The Prayer of David I was shown David entreating the Lord not to forsake him when he should be old, and what it was that called forth his earnest prayer. He saw that most of the aged around him were unhappy and that unhappy traits of character increased especially with age. If persons were naturally close and covetous, they were most disagreeably so in their old age. If they were jealous, fretful, and impatient, they were especially so when aged. 1T 422"
"Cast me not off in the time of old age; forsake me not when my strength faileth."
The EGW passage directly references David's prayer not to be forsaken in old age, which is the central theme of Psalm 71:9. The connection is strong and relevant.
"Now also when I am old and grayheaded, O God, forsake me not; until I have shewed thy strength unto this generation, and thy power to every one that is to come."
Similar to Psalm 71:9, Psalm 71:18 expresses the same plea for God's continued presence in old age. The EGW passage's focus on David's prayer makes this a clear thematic parallel.
"David was distressed as he saw that kings and nobles who seemed to have the fear of God before them while in the strength of manhood, became jealous of their best friends and relatives when aged. They were in continual fear that it was selfish motives which led their friends to manifest an interest for them. They would listen to the hints and the deceptive advice of strangers in regard to those in whom they should confide. Their unrestrained jealousy sometimes burned into a flame because all did not agree with their failing judgment. Their covetousness was dreadful. They often thought that their own children and relatives were wishing them to die in order to take their place and possess their wealth, and receive the homage which had been bestowed upon them. And some were so controlled by their jealous, covetous feelings as to destroy their own children. 1T 422.3"
"For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows."
Both passages address the dangers of covetousness and its negative impact on relationships and well-being. The EGW passage provides a specific example of how the love of money can manifest in the elderly, while 1 Timothy 6:10 states the general principle.