"“The Lord Eternal hath given me a tongue for teaching.” “That I should know how to speak a word in season to him that is weary.” Isaiah 50:4 , Leeser; A.V. MH 158.1"
"The Lord God hath given me the tongue of the learned, that I should know how to speak a word in season to him that is weary: he wakeneth morning by morning, he wakeneth mine ear to hear as the learned."
Ellen White directly references Isaiah 50:4 in this passage.
"All around us are afflicted souls. Here and there, everywhere, we may find them. Let us search out these suffering ones and speak a word in season to comfort their hearts. Let us ever be channels through which shall flow the refreshing waters of compassion. MH 158.2"
"Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest."
Both passages deal with comforting the afflicted and offering relief to those who are suffering. The EGW passage speaks of being channels of compassion, while Matthew 11:28 offers rest to the weary. The connection is thematic.
"strengthened and encouraged by little attentions that cost only a loving effort. To such the strong, helpful grasp of the hand by a true friend is worth more than gold or silver. Words of kindness are as welcome as the smile of angels. MH 158.3"
"Heaviness in the heart of man maketh it stoop: but a good word maketh it glad."
Both passages highlight the positive impact of kind words on a person's emotional state. The EGW passage expands on this by including other acts of kindness, but the core idea is present in both.
"And whosoever shall give to drink unto one of these little ones a cup of cold water only in the name of a disciple, verily I say unto you, he shall in no wise lose his reward."
Both passages emphasize the importance of small acts of kindness and their significant value in God's eyes. The 'cup of cold water' is analogous to the 'little attentions' mentioned by EGW.
"There are multitudes struggling with poverty, compelled to labor hard for small wages, and able to secure but the barest necessities of life. Toil and deprivation, with no hope of better things, make their burden very heavy. When pain and sickness are added, the burden is almost insupportable. Careworn and oppressed, they know not where to turn for relief. Sympathize with them in their trials, their heartaches, and disappointments. This will open the way for you to help them. Speak to them of God's promises, pray with and for them, inspire them with hope. MH 158.4"
"Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest."
The EGW passage directly echoes the sentiment and situation described in Matthew 11:28, where Jesus invites those who are burdened to come to Him for rest. The description of the struggling multitudes mirrors the 'heavy laden' in Matthew.
"Bear ye one another’s burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ."
The EGW passage illustrates the practical application of Galatians 6:2 by describing how to 'bear one another's burdens' through sympathy, prayer, and offering hope to those struggling with poverty and hardship.
"If a brother or sister be naked, and destitute of daily food, And one of you say unto them, Depart in peace, be ye warmed and filled; notwithstanding ye give them not those things which are needful to the body; what doth it profit?"
Both passages address the importance of providing practical help to those in need, rather than just offering empty words or good wishes. The EGW passage describes the situation of those in need, while James 2:15-16 critiques those who offer only words without action.