"Jesus rebuked their ostentation, declaring that God does not recognize such service and that the flattery and admiration of the people, which they so eagerly sought, was the only reward they would ever receive. MB 80.1"
"And when thou prayest, thou shalt not be as the hypocrites are: for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and in the corners of the streets, that they may be seen of men. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward."
The EGW passage directly echoes and amplifies the principle in Matthew 6:5 regarding hypocritical prayer for the sake of being seen and the reward they receive.
"Therefore when thou doest thine alms, do not sound a trumpet before thee, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may have glory of men. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward."
The EGW passage directly references the idea that the Pharisees' reward is the praise of men, which is the central point of Matthew 6:2. It's a clear echo of the biblical text.
"In these words Jesus did not teach that acts of kindness should always be kept secret. Paul the apostle, writing by the Holy Spirit, did not conceal the generous self-sacrifice of the Macedonian Christians, but told of the grace that Christ had wrought in them, and thus others were imbued with the same spirit. He also wrote to the church at Corinth and said, “Your zeal hath stirred up very many.” 2 Corinthians 9:2 , R.V. MB 80.3"
"For I know the forwardness of your mind, for which I boast of you to them of Macedonia, that Achaia was ready a year ago; and your zeal hath provoked very many."
Ellen White directly references 2 Corinthians 9:2 in this passage.
"Christ's own words make His meaning plain, that in acts of charity the aim should not be to secure praise and honor from men. Real godliness never prompts an effort at display. Those who desire words of praise and flattery, and feed upon them as a sweet morsel, are Christians in name only. MB 80.4"
"Take heed that ye do not your alms before men, to be seen of them: otherwise ye have no reward of your Father which is in heaven."
The EGW passage is a clear exposition and application of the principle found in Matthew 6:1, warning against performing acts of charity for the sake of human praise.
"And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, and have not charity, it profiteth me nothing."
Both passages address the idea that outward actions, even seemingly charitable ones, are worthless without the right motivation (love/charity).
"By their good works, Christ's followers are to bring glory, not to themselves, but to Him through whose grace and power they have wrought. It is through the Holy Spirit that every good work is accomplished, and the Spirit is given to glorify, not the receiver, but the Giver. When the light of Christ is shining in the soul, the lips will be filled with praise and thanksgiving to God. Your prayers, your performance of duty, your benevolence, your self-denial, will not be the theme of your thought or conversation. Jesus will be magnified, self will be hidden, and Christ will appear as all in all. MB 80.5"
"Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven."
The EGW passage directly interprets and expands on Matthew 5:16, explaining that good works should lead to the glorification of God, not self.
"If any man speak, let him speak as the oracles of God; if any man minister, let him do it as of the ability which God giveth: that God in all things may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom be praise and dominion for ever and ever. Amen."
Both passages emphasize that good works should ultimately glorify God, not the individual performing them. The EGW passage expands on this principle.