"The Creator of the heavens and the earth, the Source of all wisdom, is second to none. But supposedly great authors, whose works are used as textbooks for study, are received and glorified, though they have no vital connection with God. By such study man has been led into forbidden paths. Minds have been wearied to death through unnecessary work in trying to obtain that which is to them as the knowledge which Adam and Eve disobeyed God in obtaining. CT 444.1"
"In whom are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge."
Both passages touch on the theme of true wisdom and knowledge being found in God. The EGW passage contrasts worldly knowledge with a vital connection to God, while Colossians 2:3 states that all treasures of wisdom and knowledge are hidden in Christ.
"Today young men and women spend years in acquiring an education which is as wood and stubble, to be consumed in the last great conflagration. Upon such an education God places no value. Many students leave school unable to receive the word of God with the reverence and respect which they gave it before they entered. Their faith has been eclipsed in the effort to excel in the various studies. The Bible has not been made a vital matter in their education, but books tainted with infidelity and propagating unsound theories have been placed before them. CT 444.2"
"Now if any man build upon this foundation gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, stubble;"
The EGW passage directly uses the imagery of "wood and stubble" which is found in 1 Corinthians 3:12, making it a clear allusion.
"But in vain they do worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men."
Both passages address the issue of prioritizing human teachings and traditions over God's word. The EGW passage speaks about education that is "wood and stubble" and books tainted with infidelity, while Matthew 15:9 condemns worship that is based on the commandments of men.
"the student as will be of real value to him. With these alone he needs to become familiar, that he may secure the life which measures with the life of God. As the mind is summoned to the consideration of the great themes of salvation, it will rise higher and higher in the comprehension of these subjects, leaving cheap and insignificant matters behind. CT 444.3"
"And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent."
The EGW passage directly echoes the sentiment of John 17:3, emphasizing the importance of knowing God and Jesus Christ for eternal life. The phrase "life which measures with the life of God" is a clear parallel to the concept of eternal life through knowing God.
"Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ,"
Both passages highlight the importance of prioritizing spiritual knowledge and understanding over worldly pursuits. Philippians 3:8 speaks of counting all things as loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ, while the EGW passage encourages focusing on the "great themes of salvation" and leaving behind "cheap and insignificant matters."