"Chapter 7—Lives of Great Men “The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life.” Sacred history presents many illustrations of the results of true education. It presents many noble examples of men whose characters were formed under divine direction, men whose lives were a blessing to their fellow men and who stood in the world as representatives of God. Among these are Joseph and Daniel, Moses, Elisha, and Paul—the greatest statesmen, the wisest legislator, one of the most faithful of reformers, and, except Him who spoke as never man spake, the most illustrious teacher that this world has known. Ed 51"
"The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life; and he that winneth souls is wise."
The EGW passage begins the chapter with a direct quote from Proverbs 11:30, setting the stage for examples of righteous individuals whose lives bore fruit. The connection is direct and meaningful.
"In early life, just as they were passing from youth to manhood, Joseph and Daniel were separated from their homes and carried as captives to heathen lands. Especially was Joseph subject to the temptations that attend great changes of fortune. In his father's home a tenderly cherished child; in the house of Potiphar a slave, then a confidant and companion; a man of affairs, educated by study, observation, contact with men; in Pharaoh's dungeon a prisoner of state, condemned unjustly, without hope of vindication or prospect of release; called at a great crisis to the leadership of the nation—what enabled him to preserve his integrity? Ed 51.2"
"Then there passed by Midianites merchantmen; and they drew and lifted up Joseph out of the pit, and sold Joseph to the Ishmeelites for twenty pieces of silver: and they brought Joseph into Egypt."
The EGW passage directly references Joseph's captivity and journey to Egypt, which is described in Genesis 37:28. It expands on the circumstances of his life, but the core event is clearly derived from the biblical narrative.