the mind. I have watched those whose taste for fiction has been thus cultivated. They have had the privilege of listening to the truths of God's word, of becoming acquainted with the reasons of our faith; but they have grown to mature years destitute of true piety. These dear youth need so much to put into their character building the very best material,—the love and fear of God and a knowledge of Christ. But many have not an intelligent understanding of the truth as it is in Jesus. The mind is feasted upon sensational stories. They live in an unreal world, and are unfitted for the practical duties of life. I have observed children allowed to come up in this way. Whether at home or abroad, they are either restless or dreamy, and are unable to converse, save upon the most commonplace subjects. The nobler faculties, those adapted to higher pursuits, have been degraded to the contemplation of trivial, or worse than trivial subjects, until their possessor has become satisfied with such top…
"Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life."
Proverbs 4:23 speaks directly about guarding the heart (mind) because it determines the course of life. EGW's passage discusses the importance of guarding the mind from harmful influences like fiction, as it impacts one's character and spiritual development. The connection is strong and directly related to the principle of guarding one's inner life.