"Some who have but little experience, and are least qualified to teach the truth, are the last to ask advice and counsel of their experienced brethren. They put on the minister, and place themselves on a level with those of long and tried experience, and are not satisfied unless they can lead, thinking that because they are ministers, they know all that is worth knowing. Such preachers certainly lack a true knowledge of themselves. They do not possess becoming modesty and have altogether too high an opinion of their own abilities. Ministers of experience, who realize the sacredness of the work, and feel the weight of the cause upon them, are jealous of themselves. They consider it a privilege to advise with their brethren and are not offended if improvements are suggested in their plans of labor or in their manner of speaking. 1T 444.1"
"For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith."
The EGW passage directly addresses the issue of pride and humility, echoing the sentiment in Romans 12:3 about not thinking too highly of oneself. The connection is clear and meaningful.
"The way of a fool is right in his own eyes: but he that hearkeneth unto counsel is wise."
EGW's statement directly reflects the principle in Proverbs 12:15 regarding the wisdom of seeking counsel and the foolishness of relying solely on one's own judgment. The EGW passage applies this principle specifically to young ministers who may overestimate their abilities.
"Only by pride cometh contention: but with the well advised is wisdom."
The EGW passage describes the negative consequences of pride and the value of seeking counsel, which aligns with the principle expressed in Proverbs 13:10. The connection is more than just thematic; it's a direct application of the proverb's wisdom.
"use in exhortation when they feel just like it; but they will never make good, burden-bearing laborers. When the work moves hard and everything assumes a discouraging aspect, the excitable and those dependent upon feeling are not prepared to bear their share of the burdens. In times of discouragement and darkness how important to have calm-thinking men, who are not dependent on circumstances, but who trust God and labor on in the darkness as well as in the light. Men who serve God from principle, although their faith may be severely tried, will be seen leaning securely upon the never-failing arm of Jehovah. 1T 444.3"
"Bear ye one another’s burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ."
EGW directly discusses 'burden-bearing laborers' and the importance of sharing burdens, which aligns with Galatians 6:2's call to 'bear ye one another's burdens.' The EGW passage amplifies the principle of mutual support and burden-sharing within the Christian community.
"Cast thy burden upon the Lord, and he shall sustain thee: he shall never suffer the righteous to be moved."
The EGW passage speaks of trusting God in times of discouragement and leaning on the 'never-failing arm of Jehovah,' which parallels the sentiment of Psalm 55:22, urging believers to cast their burdens upon the Lord for sustenance. Both passages emphasize reliance on God during difficult times.
"(For we walk by faith, not by sight:)"
The EGW passage emphasizes trusting God and laboring even in discouraging times, which aligns with the principle of walking by faith and not by sight. The passage amplifies the idea of relying on faith rather than circumstances.