"***** Concentration —Some have cultivated the habit of too great concentrativeness. The power to fix the mind upon one subject to the exclusion of all others, is good to a limited degree, but those who put the whole strength of the mind into one line of thought are frequently deficient on other points. In conversation these become tedious, and weary the listener. Their writings lack a free, easy style. When they speak in public, the subject before them holds their attention, and they are led on and on, to go deeper and deeper into the matter. They seem to see knowledge and light as they become interested and absorbed, but there are few who can follow them. GW 169.1"
"And further, by these, my son, be admonished: of making many books there is no end; and much study is a weariness of the flesh."
Both passages touch on the potential downsides of excessive focus or study. EGW warns against being overly concentrated, while Ecclesiastes 12:12 suggests that too much study can be wearying.
"So likewise ye, except ye utter by the tongue words easy to be understood, how shall it be known what is spoken? for ye shall speak into the air."
Both passages address the importance of clear and understandable communication. EGW warns against covering up ideas with too many words, while 1 Corinthians 14:9 emphasizes the need to speak plainly so that others can understand.
"***** Simplicity —Argument is good in its place, but far more can be accomplished by simple explanations of the word of God. The lessons of Christ were illustrated so clearly that the most ignorant could readily comprehend them. Jesus did not use long and difficult words in His discourses; He used plain language, adapted to the minds of the common people. He went no farther into the subject He was expounding than they were able to follow Him. GW 169.3"
"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 emphasize the importance of simplicity and clarity in teaching, particularly in relation to spiritual matters. Jesus's method of teaching is highlighted in both.