"Were the principles of God's laws regarding the distribution of property carried out in the world today, how different would be the condition of the people! An observance of these principles would prevent the terrible evils that in all ages have resulted from the oppression of the poor by the rich and the hatred of the rich by the poor. While it might hinder the amassing of great wealth, it would tend to prevent the ignorance and degradation of tens of thousands whose ill-paid servitude is required for the building up of these colossal fortunes. It would aid in bringing a peaceful solution of problems that now threaten to fill the world with anarchy and bloodshed. Ed 44.1"
"Behold, the hire of the labourers who have reaped down your fields, which is of you kept back by fraud, crieth: and the cries of them which have reaped are entered into the ears of the Lord of sabaoth."
Both passages address the oppression of the poor by the rich and the consequences of such injustice. James 5:4 specifically condemns the withholding of wages from laborers, while the EGW passage speaks more broadly about the evils resulting from the oppression of the poor. The thematic connection is strong.
"Rob not the poor, because he is poor: neither oppress the afflicted in the gate:"
The EGW passage directly addresses the principle of not oppressing the poor, which is also the core message of Proverbs 22:22. The EGW passage expands on the consequences of violating this principle.
"The consecration to God of a tithe of all increase, whether of the orchard and harvest field, the flocks and herds, or the labor of brain or hand, the devotion of a second tithe for the relief of the poor and other benevolent uses, tended to keep fresh before the people the truth of God's ownership of all, and of their opportunity to be channels of His blessings. It was a training adapted to kill out all narrowing selfishness, and to cultivate breadth and nobility of character. Ed 44.2"
"And all the tithe of the land, whether of the seed of the land, or of the fruit of the tree, is the Lord’s: it is holy unto the Lord."
The EGW passage directly discusses the practice of tithing and its purpose, which is explicitly commanded in Leviticus 27:30. The passage amplifies the principle behind tithing.
"A knowledge of God, fellowship with Him in study and in labor, likeness to Him in character, were to be the source, the means, and the aim of Israel's education—the education imparted by God to the parents, and by them to be given to their children. Ed 44.3"
"And thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up."
The EGW passage speaks about education being imparted by parents to their children, which is directly supported by Deuteronomy 6:7, which commands parents to diligently teach their children about God's commandments.
"Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind."
The EGW passage emphasizes knowing God and having fellowship with Him, which aligns with the principle of loving God with all one's heart, soul, and mind as stated in Matthew 22:37. It's a thematic parallel in that both passages highlight the importance of a relationship with God.