"Earnest workers have no time for dwelling upon the faults of others. We cannot afford to live on the husks of others’ faults or failings. Evil-speaking is a twofold curse, falling more heavily upon the speaker than upon the hearer. He who scatters the seeds of dissension and strife, reaps in his own soul the deadly fruits. The very act of looking for evil in others develops evil in those who look. By dwelling upon the faults of others, we are changed into the same image. But by beholding Jesus, talking of His love and perfection of character, we become changed into His image. By contemplating the lofty ideal He has placed before us, we shall be uplifted into a pure and holy atmosphere, even the presence of God. When we abide here, there goes forth from us a light that irradiates all who are connected with us. GW 479.2"
"And why beholdest thou the mote that is in thy brother’s eye, but considerest not the beam that is in thine own eye?"
Both passages address the issue of focusing on the faults of others. The EGW passage expands on the negative consequences of dwelling on others' faults and contrasts it with the transformative power of focusing on Jesus, while Matthew 7:3 presents a more concise warning against judgmentalism.
"Instead of criticizing and condemning others, say, “I must work out my own salvation. If I co-operate with Him who desires to save my soul, I must watch myself diligently. I must put away every evil from my life. I must overcome every fault. I must become a new creature in Christ. Then, instead of weakening those who are striving against evil, I can strengthen them by encouraging words.” GW 479.3"
"Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling."
The EGW passage directly references and expands upon the concept of 'working out your own salvation' found in Philippians 2:12. The emphasis on personal responsibility and self-improvement aligns closely with the verse's call to diligent effort in one's spiritual journey.