"safeguarding of the purity of all foods of dairy origin is a matter of prime importance. While frequent testing of dairy herds, together with thorough pasteurization and refrigeration, serves to this end, such foods, if from uncertain sources, or if carelessly handled, constitute a serious menace to health; for, as stated in U.S. Department of Agriculture Farmers’ Bulletin No. 1705 by a Government expert, Rowena Schmidt Carpenter: “The same chemical constituents and physical properties that recommend milk as a human food make it an excellent food for bacteria.” The reader will understand that the reference to cheese does not include cottage cheese or foods of a similar character, which were ever recognized by the author as wholesome.—Publishers.] MH 302.1"
"For I am the Lord your God: ye shall therefore sanctify yourselves, and ye shall be holy; for I am holy: neither shall ye defile yourselves with any manner of creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth."
This verse emphasizes the importance of purity and holiness, which can be seen as a parallel to the safeguarding of food purity mentioned in the passage.
"Scanty, ill-cooked food depraves the blood by weakening the blood-making organs. It deranges the system and brings on disease, with its accompaniment of irritable nerves and bad tempers. The victims of poor cookery are numbered by thousands and tens of thousands. Over many graves might be written: “Died because of poor cooking;” “Died of an abused stomach.” MH 302.2"
"Be not among winebibbers; among riotous eaters of flesh: For the drunkard and the glutton shall come to poverty: and drowsiness shall clothe a man with rags."
Both passages link poor diet to negative consequences. Proverbs 23:20-21 warns against gluttony leading to poverty, while the EGW passage attributes disease and poor health to inadequate and poorly prepared food. Both highlight the importance of proper nourishment.
"It is a sacred duty for those who cook to learn how to prepare healthful food. Many souls are lost as the result of poor cookery. It takes thought and care to make good bread; but there is more religion in a loaf of good bread than many think. There are few really good cooks. Young women think that it is menial to cook and do other kinds of housework, and for this reason many girls who marry and have the care of families have little idea of the duties devolving upon a wife and mother. MH 302.3"
"Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God."
1 Corinthians 10:31 states that all actions should be done to the glory of God. EGW applies this principle to cooking, arguing that preparing healthful food is a 'sacred duty' and that even something as seemingly mundane as baking bread can be a religious act. The EGW passage directly applies the biblical principle to a specific area of life.
"Cooking is no mean science, and it is one of the most essential in practical life. It is a science that all women should learn, and it should be taught in a way to benefit the poorer classes. To make food appetizing and at the same time simple and nourishing, requires skill; but it can be done. Cooks should know how to prepare simple food in a simple and healthful manner, and so that it will be found more palatable, as well as more wholesome, because of its simplicity. MH 302.4"
"She riseth also while it is yet night, and giveth meat to her household, and a portion to her maidens."
Both passages highlight the importance of women providing food for their households. EGW expands on the skill and knowledge required for healthful cooking, while Proverbs focuses on the diligence of the woman.