"Knowledge That Can Be Utilized It is right for the youth to feel that they must reach the highest development of their mental powers. We would not restrict the education to which God has set no limit. But our attainments avail nothing if not put to use for the honor of God and the good of humanity. CT 387"
"Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God."
The EGW passage directly applies the principle of doing everything for the glory of God, as stated in 1 Corinthians 10:31. It emphasizes that even the highest mental development is worthless if not used to honor God and benefit humanity.
"That which I have seen of eternal things, and that which I have seen of the weakness of humanity, has deeply impressed my mind and influenced my lifework. I see nothing wherein man should be praised or glorified. I see no reason why the opinions of worldly-wise men and so-called great men should be trusted in and exalted. How can those who are destitute of divine enlightenment have correct ideas of God's plans and ways? They either deny Him altogether and ignore His existence, or they circumscribe His power by their own finite conceptions. CT 387.1"
"For the wisdom of this world is foolishness with God. For it is written, He taketh the wise in their own craftiness."
The EGW passage directly echoes the sentiment of 1 Corinthians 3:19, emphasizing the foolishness of worldly wisdom compared to divine wisdom. The passage expands on the idea that those without divine enlightenment cannot understand God's plans, aligning with the verse's condemnation of worldly wisdom.
"Let us choose to be taught by Him who created the heavens and the earth, by Him who set the stars in their order in the firmament and appointed the sun and the moon to do their work. CT 387.2"
"The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament sheweth his handywork."
Both passages highlight God as the creator and emphasize the testimony of creation. EGW's statement about God setting the stars and appointing the sun and moon directly parallels the Psalm's declaration that the heavens declare God's glory.
"It is not well to crowd the mind with studies that require intense application, but that are not brought into use in practical life. Such education will be a loss to the student, for these studies lessen his desire and inclination for the studies that would fit him for usefulness and enable him to fulfill his responsibilities. A practical training is worth far more than any amount of mere theorizing. It is not enough even to have knowledge; we must have ability to use the knowledge aright. CT 387.4"
"How much better is it to get wisdom than gold! and to get understanding rather to be chosen than silver!"
Both passages value wisdom and understanding over material wealth. While Proverbs 16:16 directly compares wisdom to gold and silver, EGW emphasizes the importance of practical training and the ability to use knowledge effectively, implying that these are more valuable than mere theoretical knowledge.