it is a waste of time and breath to be ever in season and out of season, and on all occasions to hold ourselves in readiness to speak words that are gentle, pure, elevating, chaste, and holy, in the face of the whirlwind of confusion, bustle, and strife. And yet words fitly spoken, coming from sanctified hearts and lips, and sustained by a godly, consistent Christian deportment, will be as apples of gold in pictures of silver. You have been as one of the vain talkers and have appeared as one of the world. You have sometimes been careless in your words and reckless in your conversation and have lowered yourself as a Christian in the opinion of unbelievers. You have sometimes spoken of the truth; but your words have not borne that serious, anxious interest that would affect the heart. They have been accompanied with light, trivial remarks that would lead those with whom you converse to decide that your faith is not genuine and that you do not believe the truths you profess. Words in favo…
"A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in pictures of silver."
EGW directly quotes and applies the proverb about 'apples of gold in pictures of silver' to the importance of speaking words that are gentle, pure, and elevating. This is a clear and intentional reference.
"You are not to wait for great occasions, or to expect extraordinary abilities, before you work in earnest for God. You need not have a thought of what the world will think of you. If your intercourse with them and your godly conversation are a living testimony to them of the purity and sincerity of your faith, and they are convinced that you desire to benefit them, your words will not be wholly lost upon them, but will be productive of good. 3T 247.2"
"Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven."
Both passages emphasize the importance of living a life that reflects one's faith and influences others for good. EGW speaks of 'godly conversation' being a 'living testimony,' while Matthew 5:16 encourages believers to let their light shine through good works. The connection lies in the idea of demonstrating faith through actions and words.