"When we give to the poor we should consider: “Am I encouraging prodigality? Am I helping or injuring them?” No man who can earn his own livelihood has a right to depend on others. 6T 278.1"
"For even when we were with you, this we commanded you, that if any would not work, neither should he eat."
The EGW passage is a clear restatement and application of the principle found in 2 Thessalonians 3:10. It's a direct echo of the biblical verse.
"The proverb, “The world owes me a living,” has in it the essence of falsehood, fraud, and robbery. The world owes no man a living who is able to work and gain a living for himself. But if one comes to our door and asks for food, we should not turn him away hungry. His poverty may be the result of misfortune. 6T 278.2"
"He becometh poor that dealeth with a slack hand: but the hand of the diligent maketh rich."
Both passages contrast diligence and poverty. The proverb speaks of the consequences of laziness, while EGW speaks against the entitlement mentality of expecting a living without working. The connection is thematic, focusing on the value of work.
"We should help those who with large families to support have constantly to battle with feebleness and poverty. Many a widowed mother with her fatherless children is working far beyond her strength in order to keep her little ones with her, and provide them with food and clothing. Many such mothers have died from overexertion. Every widow needs the comfort of hopeful, encouraging words, and there are very many who should have substantial aid. 6T 278.3"
"Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world."
The EGW passage directly reflects the principle of caring for widows and orphans in their affliction, as stated in James 1:27. It provides specific examples of how to apply this principle.
"Men and women of God, persons of discernment and wisdom, should be appointed to look after the poor and needy, the household of faith first. These should report to the church and counsel as to what should be done. 6T 278.4"
"Wherefore, brethren, look ye out among you seven men of honest report, full of the Holy Ghost and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business."
The EGW passage directly echoes the concept of appointing individuals to care for the needy, mirroring the selection of deacons in Acts 6. The phrase 'look after the poor and needy' and the emphasis on discernment and wisdom strongly allude to the biblical text.
"Instead of encouraging the poor to think that they can have their eating and drinking provided free or nearly so, we should place them where they can help themselves. We should endeavor to provide them with work, and if necessary teach them how to work. Let the members of poor households be taught how to cook, how to make and mend their own clothing, how to care properly for the home. Let boys and girls be thoroughly taught some useful trade or occupation. We are to educate the poor to become self-reliant. This will be true help, for it will not only make them self-sustaining, but will enable them to help others. 6T 278.5"
"Let him that stole steal no more: but rather let him labour, working with his hands the thing which is good, that he may have to give to him that needeth."
The EGW passage directly reflects the principle in Ephesians 4:28, emphasizing the importance of labor and self-sufficiency rather than dependence. Both passages advocate for productive work as a means to provide for oneself and help others.