"What the Teacher Should Be In the choice of a teacher for the children, great care should be shown. Church-school teachers should be men and women who have a humble estimate of themselves, who are not filled with vain conceit. They should be faithful workers, filled with the true missionary spirit, workers who have learned to put their trust in God and to labor in His name. They should possess the attributes of Christ's character—patience, kindness, mercy, and love; and into the daily experience they should bring the Saviour's righteousness and peace. Then, working with fragrant influence, they will give evidence of what grace can do through human agents who make God their trust. CT 150"
"And thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up."
The EGW passage emphasizes the importance of choosing teachers with specific qualities, such as humility, faithfulness, and a missionary spirit. This aligns with the principle in Deuteronomy 6:7, which instructs parents to diligently teach their children about God's commandments in all aspects of life.
"Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity."
Both passages describe the qualities of a good leader/teacher. 1 Timothy 4:12 is broader, but the EGW passage echoes the call to be an example in character, specifically highlighting Christ-like attributes.
"To shield their children from contaminating influences, parents should instruct them in the principles of purity. Those children who in the home form habits of obedience and self-control will have little difficulty in their school life, and will escape many of the temptations that beset the youth. Parents should train their children to be true to God under all circumstances and in all places. They should surround them with influences that tend to strengthen character. With such a training, children, when sent away to school, will not be a cause of disturbance or anxiety. They will be a support to their teachers and an example and encouragement to their fellow pupils. CT 150.2"
"Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it."
The EGW passage directly expands on the principle of Proverbs 22:6, emphasizing the importance of early training and its lasting impact. It provides specific examples of how to 'train up a child' and the expected outcomes.