"We have every endowment of capability, every facility provided for discharging the duties devolving upon us; and we should be grateful to God that by His mercy we have these advantages, and that we possess the knowledge of His grace and of present truth and duty. Are you, then, as teachers, trying to maintain the false education you have received? Are you losing the precious opportunities granted you to become better acquainted with God's plans and methods? Do you believe the word of God? Are you every day becoming better able to understand, to give yourselves to the Lord, and to be used in His service? Are you missionaries to do God's will? Do you believe the Bible and heed what it says? Do you believe that we are living in the last days of this earth's history? And have you hearts that can feel? We have a large work before us; we are to be bearers of the sacred light of the word, which is to illume all nations. We are Christians, and what are we doing? 6T 158.1"
"According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue:"
Both passages discuss God providing what is needed for a godly life through knowledge and grace. EGW expands on the application of this principle to teachers and their duties.
"Take your position, teachers, as true educators, and by words and expressions of interest for their souls pour into the hearts of the students the living stream of redeeming love. Counsel with them before their minds are preoccupied with their literary work. Entreat them to seek Christ and His righteousness. Show them the changes that will surely take place if the heart is given to Christ. Fasten their attention on Him; this will close the door to the foolish aspirations that naturally arise, and will prepare the mind for the reception of divine truth. The youth must be taught that time is golden, that it is perilous for them to think they can sow “wild oats” and not reap a harvest of woe and ruin. They must be taught to be sober-minded, and to admire the good in the character of others. They must be trained to place the will on the side of God's will, that they may be able to sing the new song and blend with the harmonies of heaven. 6T 158.2"
"Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life."
Both passages emphasize the importance of guarding the heart and mind. Proverbs 4:23 speaks generally about the heart's influence on life, while EGW applies this to education and the need to direct students towards Christ.