"But the leaders of Israel turned from the fountain of true knowledge. They studied the Scriptures only to sustain their traditions and enforce their man-made observances. By their interpretation they made them express sentiments that God had never given. Their mystical construction made indistinct that which He had made plain. They disputed over technicalities and practically denied the most essential truths. God's word was robbed of its power, and evil spirits worked their will. CT 438.4"
"And honour not his father or his mother, he shall be free. Thus have ye made the commandment of God of none effect by your tradition."
The EGW quote directly echoes the sentiment in Matthew 15:6, where Jesus criticizes the Pharisees for prioritizing tradition over God's commandments. Both passages highlight the danger of distorting scripture to support human-made rules.