When responsibilities are to be entrusted to an individual, the question is not asked whether he is eloquent or wealthy, but whether he is honest, faithful, and industrious; for whatever may be his accomplishments, without these qualifications he is utterly unfit for any position of trust. Many who have begun life with fair prospects fail of success because they lack industry. Young men who habitually mingle in the little groups gathered in stores or on the street, ever engaging in discussion or gossip, will never grow to the proportions of men of understanding. Continual application will accomplish for man what nothing else can. Those who are never content without the consciousness that they are growing every day will truly make a success of life. 4T 413.1 Many have failed, signally failed, where they might have made a success. They have not felt the burden of the work; they have taken things as leisurely as though they had a temporal millennium in which to work for the salvation of s…
"Moreover it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful."
The EGW passage emphasizes faithfulness as a key quality for responsibility, echoing the principle in 1 Corinthians 4:2 about stewards being found faithful.
"Having entered the school of Christ, the student is prepared to engage in the pursuit of knowledge without becoming dizzy from the height to which he is climbing. As he goes on from truth to truth, obtaining clearer and brighter views of the wonderful laws of science and of nature, he becomes enraptured with the amazing exhibitions of God's love to man. He sees with intelligent eyes the perfection, knowledge, and wisdom of God stretching beyond into infinity. As his mind enlarges and expands, pure streams of light pour into his soul. The more he drinks from the fountain of knowledge, the purer and happier his contemplation of God's infinity, and the greater his longing for wisdom sufficient to comprehend the deep things of God. 4T 413.3"
"The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom and instruction."
Both passages connect the pursuit of knowledge with a reverence for God. Proverbs 1:7 states that the fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, while the EGW passage describes how a student in the 'school of Christ' gains clearer views of God's love and wisdom as they learn.
"The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament sheweth his handywork."
Both passages highlight the connection between observing nature and understanding God's glory and wisdom. Psalms 19:1 speaks of the heavens declaring God's glory, while the EGW passage describes how studying the laws of science and nature leads to an appreciation of God's love and wisdom.