"Nadab and Abihu had not in their youth been trained to habits of self-control. The father's yielding disposition, his lack of firmness for right, had led him to neglect the discipline of his children. His sons had been permitted to follow inclination. Habits of self-indulgence, long cherished, obtained a hold upon them which even the responsibility of the most sacred office had not power to break. They had not been taught to respect the authority of their father, and they did not realize the necessity of exact obedience to the requirements of God. Aaron's mistaken indulgence of his sons, prepared them to become the subjects of divine judgments.— Patriarchs and Prophets, 360 . CE 227.1"
"For I have told him that I will judge his house for ever for the iniquity which he knoweth; because his sons made themselves vile, and he restrained them not."
Both passages highlight the negative consequences of parental negligence in disciplining children. The EGW passage uses Nadab and Abihu as an example, while 1 Samuel 3:13 speaks of Eli's failure to restrain his sons. Both illustrate the principle that a lack of parental discipline can lead to disastrous outcomes.
"Instructing Parents. —Those who have no children of their own to share their thoughts and labor, and to call for the exercise of forbearance, patience, and love, should guard themselves, lest their thoughts and labor center upon themselves. They are poorly qualified to instruct parents as to the training of their children; for they have not had experience in this work. Yet in very many cases, those who have no children are the most ready to instruct those who have, when at the same time, the former make children of themselves in many respects. They cannot be turned out of a certain course, and they require even more patience exercised toward them than do children. It is selfish to have a certain course marked out, and pursue this course to the inconvenience of others. — Gospel Workers, 252 . CE 227.2"
"Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted."
The EGW passage discusses the potential pitfalls of those without children instructing parents, emphasizing the need for humility and self-awareness. Galatians 6:1 speaks to restoring those overtaken in a fault with meekness, considering oneself. Both passages touch on the importance of self-reflection and humility when offering guidance or correction to others.