"As a rule, the exercise most beneficial to the youth will be found in useful employment. The little child finds both diversion and development in play; and his sports should be such as to promote not only physical, but mental and spiritual growth. As he gains strength and intelligence, the best recreation will be found in some line of effort that is useful. That which trains the hand to helpfulness, and teaches the young to bear their share of life's burdens, is most effective in promoting the growth of mind and character. Ed 215.1"
"Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might; for there is no work, nor device, nor knowledge, nor wisdom, in the grave, whither thou goest."
Ecclesiastes 9:10 emphasizes diligence in work. EGW's passage aligns with this principle by advocating for useful employment and training the hand to helpfulness, promoting growth of mind and character through work.
"The youth need to be taught that life means earnest work, responsibility, care-taking. They need a training that will make them practical—men and women who can cope with emergencies. They should be taught that the discipline of systematic, well-regulated labor is essential, not only as a safeguard against the vicissitudes of life, but as an aid to all-around development. Ed 215.2"
"Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it."
Both passages emphasize the importance of training youth for practical life and future responsibility. Proverbs 22:6 provides a general principle of training, while the EGW passage elaborates on the specific skills and attitudes needed.
"Notwithstanding all that has been said and written concerning the dignity of labor, the feeling prevails that it is degrading. Young men are anxious to become teachers, clerks, merchants, physicians, lawyers, or to occupy some other position that does not require physical toil. Young women shun housework and seek an education in other lines. These need to learn that no man or woman is degraded by honest toil. That which degrades is idleness and selfish dependence. Idleness fosters self-indulgence, and the result is a life empty and barren—a field inviting the growth of every evil. “The earth which drinketh in the rain that cometh oft upon it, and bringeth forth herbs meet for them by whom it is dressed, receiveth blessing from God: but that which beareth thorns and briers is rejected, and is nigh unto cursing; whose end is to be burned.” Hebrews 6:7, 8 . Ed 215.3"
"She looketh well to the ways of her household, and eateth not the bread of idleness."
Both passages contrast the value of diligent work with the dangers of idleness. Proverbs 31:27 specifically praises a woman who avoids idleness, while the EGW passage expands on the negative consequences of idleness for both men and women, and even quotes Hebrews 6:7,8.