"We should exert all the powers of the mind in the study of the Scriptures and should task the understanding to comprehend, as far as mortals can, the deep things of God; yet we must not forget that the docility and submission of a child is the true spirit of the learner. Scriptural difficulties can never be mastered by the same methods that are employed in grappling with philosophical problems. We should not engage in the study of the Bible with that self-reliance with which so many enter the domains of science, but with a prayerful dependence upon God and a sincere desire to learn His will. We must come with a humble and teachable spirit to obtain knowledge from the great I AM. Otherwise, evil angels will so blind our minds and harden our hearts that we shall not be impressed by the truth. GC 599.1"
"And said, Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven."
Both passages emphasize the importance of humility and a childlike spirit in learning spiritual truths. EGW connects this to understanding scripture, while Matthew connects it to entering the kingdom of heaven. The core idea of childlike humility is present in both.
"Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding."
Both passages advocate for trusting in God rather than relying solely on one's own understanding. EGW applies this to the study of scripture, while Proverbs offers a general principle of trust in God. The principle is directly applicable to the EGW statement.
"Many a portion of Scripture which learned men pronounce a mystery, or pass over as unimportant, is full of comfort and instruction to him who has been taught in the school of Christ. One reason why many theologians have no clearer understanding of God's word is, they close their eyes to truths which they do not wish to practice. An understanding of Bible truth depends not so much on the power of intellect brought to the search as on the singleness of purpose, the earnest longing after righteousness. GC 599.2"
"If any man will do his will, he shall know of the doctrine, whether it be of God, or whether I speak of myself."
The passage states that those who close their eyes to truths they don't wish to practice will have a clouded understanding of God's word, which echoes Jesus' teaching that if anyone wills to do His will, he will know the doctrine.
"At that time Jesus answered and said, I thank thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent, and hast revealed them unto babes."
Both passages suggest that understanding spiritual truths is not solely dependent on intellectual ability but also on humility and a right relationship with God. EGW emphasizes singleness of purpose and longing for righteousness, while Matthew highlights that God reveals truths to "babes" (humble individuals) rather than the "wise and prudent."
The Bible should never be studied without prayer. The Holy Spirit alone can cause us to feel the importance of those things easy to be understood, or prevent us from wresting truths difficult of comprehension. It is the office of heavenly angels to prepare the heart so to comprehend God's word that we shall be charmed with its beauty, admonished by its warnings, or animated and strengthened by its promises. We should make the psalmist's petition our own: “Open Thou mine eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of Thy law.” Psalm 119:18 . Temptations often appear irresistible because, through neglect of prayer and the study of the Bible, the tempted one cannot readily remember God's promises and meet Satan with the Scripture weapons. But angels are round about those who are willing to be taught in divine things; and in the time of great necessity they will bring to their remembrance the very truths which are needed. Thus “when the enemy shall come in like a flood, the Spirit of the L…
"Open thou mine eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of thy law."
Ellen White directly references Psalms 119:18 in this passage.
"So shall they fear the name of the Lord from the west, and his glory from the rising of the sun. When the enemy shall come in like a flood, the Spirit of the Lord shall lift up a standard against him."
Ellen White directly references Isaiah 59:19 in this passage.