"The Right Use of the Gift of Speech The workman for God should make earnest efforts to become a representative of Christ, discarding all uncomely gestures and uncouth speech. He should endeavor to use correct language. There is a large class who are careless in the way they speak, yet by careful, painstaking attention these may become representatives of the truth. Every day they should make advancement. They should not detract from their usefulness and influence by cherishing defects of manner, tone, or language. Common, cheap expressions should be replaced by sound, pure words. By constant watchfulness and earnest discipline the Christian youth may keep his tongue from evil and his lips from speaking guile. CT 238"
"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."
The EGW passage directly echoes the sentiment of Ephesians 4:29, urging believers to use edifying and pure speech, avoiding corrupt communication. The connection is clear and strong.
"The Holy Spirit is ever at work, seeking to purify, refine, and discipline the souls of men, in order that they may become fitted for the society of saints and angels.... As children of God, we should make earnest efforts to be overcomers; and as students who seek to honor and glorify God, we should study to show ourselves approved of Him, workmen that need not to be ashamed. CT 238.1"
"Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth."
EGW directly quotes and expands upon 2 Timothy 2:15, using the phrase 'study to show ourselves approved of Him, workmen that need not be ashamed.' This is a clear and intentional reference.
"But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation; Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy."
Both passages emphasize holiness and striving for purity. EGW's statement about the Holy Spirit purifying souls to be fitted for the society of saints and angels aligns with the call to holiness in 1 Peter 1:15-16, which is based on God's own holiness.