Many who are teachers of the truth cease to be students, digging, ever digging for truth as for hidden treasures. Their minds reach a common, low standard; but they do not seek to become men of influence,—not for the sake of selfish ambition, but for Christ's sake, that they may reveal the power of the truth upon the intellect. It is no sin to appreciate literary talent, if it is not idolized; but no one is to strive for vain glory to exalt self. When this is the case, there is an absence of the wisdom that cometh from above, which is first pure, then peaceable, easy to be entreated, full of love and of good fruits.— The Review and Herald, June 21, 1887 . CE 53.1 Chapter 6—A Knowledge of God [From “Steps to Christ” by Mrs. E. G. White. By Permission of Fleming H. Revell Co., publishers.] Many are the ways in which God is seeking to make himself known to us and to bring us into communion with him. Nature speaks to our senses without ceasing. The open heart will be impressed with the lov…
"If thou seekest her as silver, and searchest for her as for hid treasures;"
The EGW passage directly references 'digging, ever digging for truth as for hidden treasures,' which is a clear allusion to Proverbs 2:4.
"But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be intreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy."
The EGW passage quotes the description of wisdom from above, which is a direct reference to James 3:17.
"Our Saviour bound up his precious lessons with the things of nature. The trees, the birds, the flowers of the valley, the hills, the lakes, and the beautiful heavens, as well as the incidents and surroundings of daily life, were all linked with the words of truth, that his lessons might thus be often recalled to mind, even amid the busy cares of man's life of toil. CE 54.2"
"Behold the fowls of the air: for they sow not, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feedeth them. Are ye not much better than they?"
Both passages highlight Jesus' use of nature to teach spiritual lessons. The EGW passage expands on this idea, while Matthew 6:26 provides a specific example of Jesus using birds to illustrate God's care.