"offensive; but a pure, flowing brook spreads health and gladness over the land. A man of persevering industry will be a blessing anywhere. The exercise of man's physical and mental powers is necessary to their full and proper development. 4T 410.1"
"He becometh poor that dealeth with a slack hand: but the hand of the diligent maketh rich."
Both passages highlight the value of diligence and industry. The EGW passage uses the metaphor of a flowing brook to illustrate the positive impact of perseverance, while Proverbs 10:4 directly contrasts diligence with a slack hand, leading to wealth versus poverty.
"Young ministers should study to make themselves useful wherever they are. When invited to visit persons at their homes, they should not sit idle, making no effort to help the ones whose hospitality they share. Obligations are mutual; if the minister shares the hospitality of his friends, it is his duty to respond to their kindness by being thoughtful and considerate in his conduct toward them. The entertainer may be a man of care and hard labor. By manifesting a disposition not only to wait upon himself but to render timely assistance, the minister may often find access to the heart and open the way for the reception of truth. 4T 410.2"
"But it shall not be so among you: but whosoever will be great among you, let him be your minister;"
While not a direct quote or explicit allusion, the EGW passage echoes the principle of service and humility found in Matthew 20:26, particularly in the context of ministry. The EGW passage emphasizes ministers being helpful and considerate, reflecting the idea of serving others rather than seeking greatness.