The young are in great danger. Great evil results from their light reading. Much time is lost which should be spent in useful employment. Some would even deprive themselves of sleep to finish some ridiculous love story. The world is flooded with novels of every description. Some are not of as dangerous a character as others. Some are immoral, low, and vulgar; others are clothed with more refinement; but all are pernicious in their influence. Oh, that the young would reflect upon the influence which exciting stories have upon the mind! Can you, after such reading, open the word of God and read the words of life with interest? Do you not find the book of God uninteresting? The charm of that love story is upon the mind, destroying its healthy tone, and making it impossible for you to fix your mind upon the important, solemn truths which concern your eternal interest. You sin against your parents in devoting to such a poor purpose the time which belongs to them, and you sin against God in …
"See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise, Redeeming the time, because the days are evil."
EGW directly addresses the principle of redeeming time and using it wisely, as presented in Ephesians 5:15-16. She applies it to the specific context of young people wasting time on frivolous reading instead of useful employment and spiritual growth.
"It is the duty of the youth to encourage sobriety. Lightness, jesting, and joking will result in barrenness of soul and the loss of the favor of God. Many of you think you do not exert a bad influence upon others, and thus feel in a measure satisfied; but do you exert an influence for good? Do you seek in your conversation and acts to lead others to the Saviour, or, if they profess Christ, to lead them to a closer walk with Him? 2T 236.2"
"Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be salted? it is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men."
EGW's emphasis on exerting a positive influence and leading others to Christ aligns with the concept of being the 'salt of the earth' in Matthew 5:13. Both passages highlight the importance of having a meaningful and impactful presence in the lives of others.