"When the testing time shall come, those who have made God's word their rule of life will be revealed. In summer there is no noticeable difference between evergreens and other trees; but when the blasts of winter come, the evergreens remain unchanged, while other trees are stripped of their foliage. So the falsehearted professor may not now be distinguished from the real Christian, but the time is just upon us when the difference will be apparent. Let opposition arise, let bigotry and intolerance again bear sway, let persecution be kindled, and the halfhearted and hypocritical will waver and yield the faith; but the true Christian will stand firm as a rock, his faith stronger, his hope brighter, than in days of prosperity. GC 602.1"
"Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them."
Both passages use the metaphor of 'fruits' or outward signs to distinguish between true and false believers, especially during times of testing. The EGW passage elaborates on this concept with the evergreen tree analogy.
"Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock:"
Both passages highlight the importance of a solid foundation in faith. Matthew 7:24 uses the metaphor of building on a rock, while EGW speaks of the true Christian standing firm as a rock during persecution. The connection is thematic, focusing on steadfastness in faith.
"Says the psalmist: “Thy testimonies are my meditation.” “Through Thy precepts I get understanding: therefore I hate every false way.” Psalm 119:99, 104 . GC 602.2"
"I have more understanding than all my teachers: for thy testimonies are my meditation."
EGW directly quotes Psalm 119:99.
"Through thy precepts I get understanding: therefore I hate every false way."
EGW directly quotes Psalm 119:104.
"“Happy is the man that findeth wisdom.” “He shall be as a tree planted by the waters, and that spreadeth out her roots by the river, and shall not see when heat cometh, but her leaf shall be green; and shall not be careful in the year of drought, neither shall cease from yielding fruit.” Proverbs 3:13 ; Jeremiah 17:8 . GC 602.3"
"Happy is the man that findeth wisdom, and the man that getteth understanding."
Ellen White directly references Proverbs 3:13 in this passage.
"For he shall be as a tree planted by the waters, and that spreadeth out her roots by the river, and shall not see when heat cometh, but her leaf shall be green; and shall not be careful in the year of drought, neither shall cease from yielding fruit."
Ellen White directly references Jeremiah 17:8 in this passage.