"Men of God must be diligent in study, earnest in the acquirement of knowledge, never wasting an hour. Through persevering exertion they may rise to almost any degree of eminence as Christians, as men of power and influence. But many will never attain superior rank in the pulpit or in business, because of their unfixedness of purpose, and the laxness of the habits contracted in their youth. Careless inattention is seen in everything they undertake. GW 278.1"
"Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth."
The EGW quote directly reflects the principle in 2 Timothy 2:15, urging diligence in study and the pursuit of knowledge to become approved by God. Both passages emphasize the importance of earnest effort and avoiding carelessness in one's work.
"Seest thou a man diligent in his business? he shall stand before kings; he shall not stand before mean men."
Both passages emphasize the importance of diligence and its potential rewards. Proverbs speaks of standing before kings, while EGW speaks of eminence and influence.
"A sudden impulse now and then is not sufficient to accomplish a reformation in these ease-loving, indolent ones; this is a work which requires patient continuance in well-doing. Men of business can be truly successful only by having regular hours for rising, for prayer, for meals, and for retiring. If order and regularity are essential in worldly business, how much more so in the work of God! GW 278.2"
"And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not."
Both passages highlight the importance of perseverance and consistency in doing good. Galatians speaks of not being weary in well-doing, while EGW emphasizes patient continuance and regular habits.
"The bright morning hours are wasted by many in bed. These precious hours, once lost, are gone never to return; they are lost for time and for eternity. Only one hour lost each day, and what a waste of time in the course of a year! Let the slumberer think of this, and pause to consider how he will give an account to God for lost opportunities. GW 278.3"
"Redeeming the time, because the days are evil."
Both passages address the importance of making the most of time. Ephesians 5:16 explicitly mentions 'redeeming the time,' while EGW discusses the waste of time and lost opportunities.
"useful knowledge, committing to memory portions of Scripture, tracing out the fulfilment of the prophecies, and learning the lessons which Christ gave His disciples. Take a book with you to read when traveling on the cars or waiting in the railway station. Employ every spare moment in doing something. In this way an effectual door will be closed against a thousand temptations.... GW 278.4"
"Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord."
Both passages encourage the use of scripture for learning and growth. Colossians speaks of letting the word of Christ dwell richly, while EGW suggests committing scripture to memory and tracing prophecies.
"Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:"
Both passages address the need for vigilance against temptation. 1 Peter 5:8 warns about the devil seeking to devour, while EGW suggests employing spare moments to close the door against temptations.