"Work N ot Degrading It is a popular error with a large class to regard work as degrading; therefore young men are very anxious to educate themselves to become teachers, clerks, merchants, lawyers, and to occupy almost any position that does not require physical labor. Young women regard housework as belittling. And although the physical exercise required to perform household labor, if not too severe, is calculated to promote health, yet they seek for an education that will fit them to become teachers or clerks, or they learn some trade that will confine them indoors to sedentary employment.... CT 291"
"In the sweat of thy face shalt thou eat bread, till thou return unto the ground; for out of it wast thou taken: for dust thou art, and unto dust shalt thou return."
The EGW passage discusses the perceived degradation of physical labor, while Genesis 3:19 speaks of labor as a consequence of the fall. The connection is thematic, relating to the value and necessity of work.
"Those who are content to devote their lives to physical labor, and leave others to do the thinking for them, while they simply carry out what other brains have planned, will have strength of muscle, but feeble intellects. Their influence for good is small in comparison with what it might be if they would use their brains as well as their muscles. This class fall more readily if attacked by disease, because the system is not vitalized by the electrical force of the brain to resist disease. Men who have good physical powers should educate themselves to think as well as to act, and not depend upon others to be brains for them. CT 291.1"
"And the eye cannot say unto the hand, I have no need of thee: nor again the head to the feet, I have no need of you."
The EGW passage warns against relying solely on physical labor and neglecting intellectual development, arguing that both are necessary for a well-rounded individual and for resisting disease. This parallels the idea in 1 Corinthians 12:21 that different parts of the body (representing different skills and roles) are interdependent and cannot function without each other. While not a perfect match, the underlying theme of interdependence and the importance of both physical and mental capabilities is present in both passages.
"True, there is some excuse for young women not choosing housework for an employment because those who hire kitchen girls generally treat them as servants. Frequently the employers do not respect them, but treat them as if they were unworthy to be members of the family. They do not give them the privileges they give the seamstress, the copyist, and the teacher of music. CT 291.3"
"There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus."
The EGW passage addresses the unequal treatment of domestic workers, while Galatians 3:28 speaks of equality in Christ. The connection lies in the principle of equal respect and dignity, even though the contexts are different.