"In casting off restraint, and plunging into reckless amusement, dissipation, and vice, students are but imitating that which is kept before their minds by these studies. There are callings in which a knowledge of Greek and Latin is needed. Some must study these languages. But the knowledge of them essential for practical uses might be gained without a study of literature that is corrupt and corrupting. CT 382.1"
"Be not deceived: evil communications corrupt good manners."
The EGW passage warns against the corrupting influence of certain studies, particularly classical literature, on students' morals. This aligns directly with the warning in 1 Corinthians 15:33 about evil communications corrupting good character. The principle of avoiding corrupting influences is central to both passages.
"And a knowledge of Greek and Latin is not needed by many. The study of dead languages should be made secondary to a study of those subjects that teach the right use of all the powers of body and mind. It is folly for students to devote their time to the acquirement of dead languages, or of book knowledge in any line, to the neglect of a training for life's practical duties. CT 382.2"
"For bodily exercise profiteth little: but godliness is profitable unto all things, having promise of the life that now is, and of that which is to come."
Both passages prioritize spiritual development and practical skills over purely academic pursuits. While 1 Timothy 4:8 focuses on the value of godliness over bodily exercise, the EGW passage emphasizes the importance of practical training over the study of dead languages. The underlying theme is prioritizing what truly matters for life and eternity.
"The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom and instruction."
Both passages touch on the importance of wisdom and the dangers of neglecting it. Proverbs 1:7 states that the fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, while the EGW passage criticizes the pursuit of knowledge (dead languages) at the expense of practical skills and, implicitly, spiritual understanding. The connection is thematic, revolving around the value of true wisdom and the folly of misplaced priorities.