"“There is that speaketh like the piercings of a sword: but the tongue of the wise is health.” Proverbs 12:18 . Ed 237.1 One of the characteristics that should be especially cherished and cultivated in every child is that self- forgetfulness which imparts to the life such an unconscious grace. Of all excellences of character this is one of the most beautiful, and for every true lifework it is one of the qualifications most essential. Ed 237.2"
"There is that speaketh like the piercings of a sword: but the tongue of the wise is health."
Ellen White directly references Proverbs 12:18 in this passage.
"Children need appreciation, sympathy, and encouragement, but care should be taken not to foster in them a love of praise. It is not wise to give them special notice, or to repeat before them their clever sayings. The parent or teacher who keeps in view the true ideal of character and the possibilities of achievement, cannot cherish or encourage self-sufficiency. He will not encourage in the youth the desire or effort to display their ability or proficiency. He who looks higher than himself will be humble; yet he will possess a dignity that is not abashed or disconcerted by outward display or human greatness. Ed 237.3"
"Let another man praise thee, and not thine own mouth; a stranger, and not thine own lips."
Both passages advocate for humility and discourage self-praise. The EGW passage expands on the principle found in Proverbs 27:2, applying it to the context of child-rearing and education.
"atmosphere of the pure, the noble, the true. And wherever there is purity of heart and nobleness of character, it will be revealed in purity and nobleness of action and of speech. Ed 237.4"
"A good man out of the good treasure of the heart bringeth forth good things: and an evil man out of the evil treasure bringeth forth evil things."
The EGW passage closely mirrors the sentiment of Matthew 12:35, stating that inner character is reflected in outward actions and speech. The connection is strong and direct.