"Again and again has the educator of youth carried into the school-room the shadow of darkness which has been gathering upon his soul. He has been overtaxed, and is nervous; or dyspepsia has colored everything a gloomy hue. He enters the school-room with quivering nerve and irritated stomach. Nothing seems to be done to please him, he thinks that his scholars are bent upon showing him disrespect, and his sharp criticisms and censures are given on the right hand and on the left. CE 26.1"
"A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger."
The EGW passage describes a teacher's negative attitude affecting the classroom, which aligns with the principle of Proverbs 15:1 about the power of gentle words to diffuse anger. The connection is thematic, focusing on the impact of one's demeanor on others.
"Perhaps one or more commit errors, or are unruly. The case is exaggerated in his mind, and he becomes unjust, and is severe and cutting in reproof, even taunting the one whom he considers at fault. This same injustice afterward prevents him from admitting that he has not taken the proper course. To maintain the dignity of his position he has lost a precious, golden opportunity to manifest the spirit of Christ, perhaps to gain a soul for heaven. CE 26.2"
"Moreover if thy brother shall trespass against thee, go and tell him his fault between thee and him alone: if he shall hear thee, thou hast gained thy brother."
Both passages address how to deal with a brother's faults. Matthew 18:15 outlines a specific process for private correction, while the EGW passage describes the negative consequences of not following this principle, specifically the loss of an opportunity to win a soul.
"Let him know, that he which converteth the sinner from the error of his way shall save a soul from death, and shall hide a multitude of sins."
Both passages connect correcting someone's error with saving a soul. James 5:20 states the general principle, while the EGW passage illustrates how mishandling correction can lead to a lost opportunity to save a soul.