"“He hath made everything beautiful in its time” ( Ecclesiastes 3:11 , R.V.); and true beauty will be secured, not in marring God's work, but in coming into harmony with the laws of Him who created all things, and who finds pleasure in their beauty and perfection. Ed 198.1"
"He hath made every thing beautiful in his time: also he hath set the world in their heart, so that no man can find out the work that God maketh from the beginning to the end."
Ellen White directly references Ecclesiastes 3:11 in this passage.
"As the mechanism of the body is studied, attention should be directed to its wonderful adaptation of means to ends, the harmonious action and dependence of the various organs. As the interest of the student is thus awakened, and he is led to see the importance of physical culture, much can be done by the teacher to secure proper development and right habits. Ed 198.2"
"I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvellous are thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well."
EGW directly references the idea of being "fearfully and wonderfully made" which is the core of Psalm 139:14. The passage amplifies the idea of the body's intricate design and its connection to God's creation.
"Among the first things to be aimed at should be a correct position, both in sitting and in standing. God made man upright, and He desires him to possess not only the physical but the mental and moral benefit, the grace and dignity and self-possession, the courage and self-reliance, which an erect bearing so greatly tends to promote. Let the teacher give instruction on this point by example and by precept. Show what a correct position is, and insist that it shall be maintained. Ed 198.3"
"So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them."
EGW's passage connects the physical uprightness of humans to their creation in God's image (Genesis 1:27), suggesting that maintaining a correct posture reflects and promotes the mental, moral, and spiritual qualities God intended. The connection is thematic, linking physical posture to a broader understanding of human dignity and purpose as created in God's image.
"Next in importance to right position are respiration and vocal culture. The one who sits and stands erect is more likely than others to breathe properly. But the teacher should impress upon his pupils the importance of deep breathing. Show how the healthy action of the respiratory organs, assisting the circulation of the blood, invigorates the whole system, excites the appetite, promotes digestion, and induces sound, sweet sleep, thus not only refreshing the body, but soothing and tranquilizing the mind. And while the importance of deep breathing is shown, the practice should be insisted upon. Let exercises be given which will promote this, and see that the habit becomes established. Ed 198.4"
"What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God’s."
Both passages emphasize the importance of caring for the body as a temple. EGW provides practical advice on how to do so, while Paul states the principle.