"The want of respect for the counsel of a godly parent is one of the marked sins of this degenerate age. There are many lives in our land that are dark and wretched because of one step taken in the dark. By one act of disobedience many a youth has blighted his whole life and weighed down a loving mother's heart with anguish. God will not hold you guiltless if you follow in this course. By despising the counsel of a God-fearing mother, who would willingly give her life for her children, you are transgressing the fifth commandment. You know not where your steps are leading you. 5T 125.1"
"Honour thy father and thy mother: that thy days may be long upon the land which the Lord thy God giveth thee."
The EGW passage explicitly mentions transgressing the fifth commandment, which is 'Honour thy father and thy mother.' This is a direct allusion and application of the commandment to the context of respecting godly parents.
"My son, hear the instruction of thy father, and forsake not the law of thy mother:"
The EGW passage echoes the sentiment of Proverbs 1:8, emphasizing the importance of heeding parental counsel. While not a direct quote, it embodies the principle of respecting and listening to one's parents, particularly a godly mother.
"I again plead a mother's claim, a mother's love. There can be no baser ingratitude than that which marks the sin of disobedience to a Christian mother. In the days of your helpless infancy she watched over you; her prayers and tears were witnessed of heaven as she affectionately cherished you. For her children she has toiled and planned, thought, prayed, and exercised self-denial. Through your whole life her true heart has been anxious and earnest for your welfare. And yet now you choose your own course; you follow your own blind, stubborn will, irrespective of the bitter harvest you will reap and the sorrow you will bring upon her. 5T 125.2"
"Hearken unto thy father that begat thee, and despise not thy mother when she is old."
The EGW passage aligns with the principle in Proverbs 23:22, which advises against despising one's mother when she is old. EGW expands on the reasons why a mother deserves respect and obedience, especially considering her sacrifices and love.
"Infirmities are gathering about your mother. She needs you; any attention you may render will be very precious to her. There are none of her other children to whom she can look. They feel under no obligation to her. But you will find the privilege which is now yours may soon be lost. Do not think, however, that should you neglect your privilege and your duty as a son, your mother would suffer. She has true friends who will feel it a privilege to do the duties from which you withdraw yourself. God loves your mother and will care for her. If her own children neglect her, He will raise up others to do the work they might have done, and receive the blessing which was offered them. It is their privilege to make her last days her best and happiest. 5T 125.3"
"When my father and my mother forsake me, then the Lord will take me up."
The EGW passage discusses the potential neglect of a mother by her children and God's provision for her even in such circumstances. This thematically parallels Psalm 27:10, where the psalmist expresses confidence that even if forsaken by parents, God will provide. The connection lies in God's care for those who are abandoned or neglected by their family.