"Prices In the effort to secure outside patronage in order to relieve the publishing houses from financial embarrassment, prices have been set so low that the work brings no profit. Those who flatter themselves that there is a gain have not kept strict account of every outgo. Do not cut down prices in order to secure a job. Take only such work as will give a fair profit. 7T 163"
"A false balance is abomination to the Lord: but a just weight is his delight."
Both passages address the importance of honesty and fairness in business dealings. EGW warns against cutting prices to secure jobs and emphasizes the need for fair profit, while the Bible verse condemns false balances and praises just weights. The connection is a direct principle.
"It is not necessary that the commercial work should be entirely divorced from the publishing houses, for this would close the door against rays of light that should be given to the world. And connection with outside parties need be no more detrimental to the workers than was Daniel's work as a statesman a perversion of his faith and principles. But whenever it is found to interfere with the spirituality of the institution, let the outside work be excluded. Build up the work that represents the truth. Let this always come first, and the commercial work second. Our mission is to give to the world the message of warning and mercy. 7T 163.1"
"Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven."
Both passages emphasize the importance of being a light to the world. EGW encourages prioritizing the truth and message of warning and mercy, while the Bible verse encourages letting good works shine to glorify God. The connection is a direct principle.
At the same time there should be in our business deal no shadow of selfishness or overreaching. Let no one take advantage of any man's ignorance or necessity by charging exorbitant prices for work done or for goods sold. There will be strong temptation to diverge from the straight path; there will be innumerable arguments in favor of conforming to custom and adopting practices that are really dishonest. Some urge that in dealing with sharpers one must conform to custom; that, should he maintain strict integrity, he could not carry on business and secure a livelihood. Where is our faith in God? He owns us as His sons and daughters on condition that we come out from the world and be separate, and touch not the unclean thing. To His institutions as well as to individual Christians are addressed the words, “Seek ye first the kingdom of God, and His righteousness,” and His promise is sure that all things needed for this life shall be added. Let it be written upon the conscience as with a pe…
"Thou shalt not defraud thy neighbour, neither rob him: the wages of him that is hired shall not abide with thee all night until the morning."
Both passages condemn defrauding or taking advantage of others. EGW warns against selfishness and overreaching in business deals, while the Bible verse specifically prohibits defrauding one's neighbor. The connection is a direct principle.
"Divers weights are an abomination unto the Lord; and a false balance is not good."
Both passages condemn dishonest business practices. Proverbs 20:23 speaks against using false weights and balances, while the EGW passage condemns taking advantage of others through exorbitant prices and dishonest dealings. The EGW passage expands on the principle of honesty and fairness in business, making the connection more than just a thematic parallel.