"In seeking to correct or reform others we should be careful of our words. They will be a savor of life unto life or of death unto death. In giving reproof or counsel, many indulge in sharp, severe speech, words not adapted to heal the wounded soul. By these ill-advised expressions the spirit is chafed, and often the erring ones are stirred to rebellion. All who would advocate the principles of truth need to receive the heavenly oil of love. Under all circumstances reproof should be spoken in love. Then our words will reform but not exasperate. Christ by His Holy Spirit will supply the force and the power. This is His work. COL 337.1"
"To the one we are the savour of death unto death; and to the other the savour of life unto life. And who is sufficient for these things?"
EGW directly alludes to 2 Corinthians 2:16, using the phrase "savor of life unto life or of death unto death" in the context of the impact of our words.
"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."
Both passages emphasize the importance of gentleness and meekness when correcting or restoring someone who has erred. Galatians 6:1 speaks of restoring in the spirit of meekness, while EGW speaks of reproof spoken in love.
"Not one word is to be spoken unadvisedly. No evil speaking, no frivolous talk, no fretful repining or impure suggestion, will escape the lips of him who is following Christ. The apostle Paul, writing by the Holy Spirit, says, “Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth.” Ephesians 4:29 . A corrupt communication does not mean only words that are vile. It means any expression contrary to holy principles and pure and undefiled religion. It includes impure hints and covert insinuations of evil. Unless instantly resisted, these lead to great sin. COL 337.2"
"Neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor jesting, which are not convenient: but rather giving of thanks."
EGW directly quotes Ephesians 4:29 and expands upon its meaning. While the provided verse is Ephesians 5:4, the reference to Ephesians 4:29 in the EGW quote makes this an explicit allusion.
"Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers."
Ellen White directly references Ephesians 4:29 in this passage.
"But I say unto you, That every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment."
While EGW quotes Ephesians 4:29, the principle of being accountable for every idle word connects to Matthew 12:36. Both passages address the importance of careful speech.
"Upon every family, upon every individual Christian, is laid the duty of barring the way against corrupt speech. When in the company of those who indulge in foolish talk, it is our duty to change the subject of conversation if possible. By the help of the grace of God we should quietly drop words or introduce a subject that will turn the conversation into a profitable channel. COL 337.3"
"Set a watch, O Lord, before my mouth; keep the door of my lips."
Both passages deal with guarding one's speech. Psalms 141:3 speaks of controlling one's own mouth, while EGW speaks of influencing the conversation of others, but both relate to the broader theme of managing speech and its impact.
"A man hath joy by the answer of his mouth: and a word spoken in due season, how good is it!"
Both passages address the power of words. Proverbs 15:23 highlights the positive impact of well-timed words, while EGW discusses steering conversations towards profitable channels. The shared theme is the importance and influence of speech.
"It is the work of parents to train their children to proper habits of speech. The very best school for this culture is the home life. From the earliest years the children should be taught to speak respectfully and lovingly to their parents and to one another. They should be taught that only words of gentleness, truth, and purity must pass their lips. Let the parents themselves be daily learners in the school of Christ. Then by precept and example they can teach their children the use of “sound speech, that cannot be condemned.” Titus 2:8 . This is one of the greatest and most responsible of their duties. COL 337.4"
"Sound speech, that cannot be condemned; that he that is of the contrary part may be ashamed, having no evil thing to say of you."
Ellen White directly references Titus 2:8 in this passage.