"In my last vision I was shown that if you refuse reproof and correction, choose your own way, and will not be disciplined, God has no further use for you in connection with His holy work. If you had commenced the work of setting your own soul right with the Lord you would have seen so great a work to be done for yourself that you would not have spent so much time over the supposed wrongs of Brother H, dwelling upon them behind his back. The work of the last thirty years should inspire confidence in the integrity of Brother H. “Honor to whom honor is due.” 4T 93.1"
"Whoso loveth instruction loveth knowledge: but he that hateth reproof is brutish."
Both passages emphasize the importance of accepting reproof and instruction. Proverbs 12:1 states the principle directly, while the EGW passage applies it to a specific situation, highlighting the consequences of rejecting correction.
"Men in responsible positions should improve continually. They must not anchor upon an old experience and feel that it is not necessary to become scientific workers. Man, although the most helpless of God's creatures when he comes into the world, and the most perverse in his nature, is nevertheless capable of constant advancement. He may be enlightened by science, ennobled by virtue, and may progress in mental and moral dignity, until he reaches a perfection of intelligence and a purity of character but little lower than the perfection and purity of angels. With the light of truth shining upon the minds of men, and the love of God shed abroad in their hearts, we cannot conceive what they may become nor what great work they may do. 4T 93.2"
"And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge; And to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness; And to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity. For if these things be in you, and abound, they make you that ye shall neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ."
Both passages discuss the potential for growth and development in believers. 2 Peter 1:5-8 outlines specific virtues to cultivate, while the EGW passage speaks more broadly about intellectual and moral progress, ultimately leading to a state close to angelic perfection.
"I know that the human heart is blind to its own true condition, but I cannot leave you without making an effort to help you. We love you, and we want to see you pressing on to victory. Jesus loves you. He died for you, and He wants you to be saved. We have no disposition to hold you in -----; but we do want you to make thorough work with your own soul, to right every wrong there, and make every effort to master self, lest you miss heaven. This you cannot afford to do. For Christ's sake, resist the devil, and he will flee from you. 4T 93.3"
"Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you."
The EGW passage directly quotes James 4:7: "Resist the devil, and he will flee from you." The surrounding context in EGW further reinforces the connection by urging the reader to submit to God and overcome personal failings.