"Many parents err in discriminating between their children in the matter of education. They make almost any sacrifice to secure the best advantages for one that is bright and apt. But these opportunities are not thought a necessity for those who are less promising. Little education is deemed essential for the performance of life's ordinary duties. Ed 265.2"
"Nay, much more those members of the body, which seem to be more feeble, are necessary:"
EGW's statement about parents favoring certain children in education echoes the sentiment in 1 Corinthians 12:22, which emphasizes the importance of all members of the body, even those who seem weaker. Both passages highlight the value of those who might be overlooked or underestimated.
"But who is capable of selecting from a family of children the ones upon whom will rest the most important responsibilities? How often human judgment has here proved to be at fault! Remember the experience of Samuel when sent to anoint from the sons of Jesse one to be king over Israel. Seven noble-looking youth passed before him. As he looked upon the first, in features comely, in form well-developed, and in bearing princely, the prophet exclaimed, “Surely the Lord's anointed is before Him.” But God said, “Look not on his countenance, or on the height of his stature; because I have refused him: for the Lord seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the Lord looketh on the heart.” So of all the seven the testimony was, “The Lord hath not chosen these.” 1 Samuel 16:6, 7, 10 . And not until David had been called from the flock was the prophet permitted to fulfill his mission. Ed 265.3"
"But the Lord said unto Samuel, Look not on his countenance, or on the height of his stature; because I have refused him: for the Lord seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the Lord looketh on the heart."
EGW directly quotes 1 Samuel 16:7 and recounts the story of Samuel anointing David, making this a clear and explicit allusion.