"The youth acknowledges no obligation to his father, and expresses no gratitude; yet he claims the privilege of a child in sharing his father's goods. The inheritance that would fall to him at his father's death he desires to receive now. He is bent on present enjoyment, and cares not for the future. COL 199.1"
"And the younger of them said to his father, Father, give me the portion of goods that falleth to me. And he divided unto them his living."
This is a clear and direct allusion to Luke 15:12. EGW directly references the son's request for his inheritance before his father's death, mirroring the biblical text.
"For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy,"
The EGW passage highlights the son's lack of gratitude and self-centeredness, which aligns with the characteristics listed in 2 Timothy 3:2, including being lovers of themselves, covetous, and disobedient to parents. The connection is thematic and supports the idea of a decline in moral character.
"There is a generation that curseth their father, and doth not bless their mother."
Both passages address the theme of children being ungrateful and disrespectful towards their parents. While not a direct quote, the EGW passage echoes the sentiment expressed in Proverbs 30:11.
"Having obtained his patrimony, he goes into “a far country,” away from his father's home. With money in plenty, and liberty to do as he likes, he flatters himself that the desire of his heart is reached. There is no one to say, Do not do this, for it will be an injury to yourself; or, Do this, because it is right. Evil companions help him to plunge ever deeper into sin, and he wastes his “substance with riotous living.” COL 199.2"
"And not many days after the younger son gathered all together, and took his journey into a far country, and there wasted his substance with riotous living."
This is a very strong and direct allusion to Luke 15:13. EGW's description of the son going to a far country and wasting his substance with riotous living is almost a direct quote from the biblical text.
"The Bible tells of men who “professing themselves to be wise” “became fools” ( Romans 1:22 ); and this is the history of the young man of the parable. The wealth which he has selfishly claimed from his father he squanders upon harlots. The treasure of his young manhood is wasted. The precious years of life, the strength of intellect, the bright visions of youth, the spiritual aspirations—all are consumed in the fires of lust. COL 199.3"
"Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools,"
EGW directly quotes Romans 1:22.
"Lest strangers be filled with thy wealth; and thy labours be in the house of a stranger;"
Both passages deal with the squandering of resources, although Proverbs 5:10 focuses on wealth and EGW applies it to the squandering of youth and intellect. The connection is thematic but not direct.