"Infidel Authors In order to obtain an education, many think it essential to study the writings of infidel authors, because these works contain many bright gems of thought. But who was the originator of these gems of thought? It was God, and God only. He is the source of all light. Why then should we wade through the mass of error contained in the works of infidels for the sake of a few intellectual truths, when all truth is at our command? MH 440"
"Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning."
Both passages assert that God is the source of all good and truth. EGW argues that even seemingly valuable insights from non-believers ultimately originate from God, echoing James's statement that every good and perfect gift comes from the Father of lights.
"It is because the human heart is inclined to evil that it is so dangerous to sow the seeds of skepticism in young minds. Whatever weakens faith in God robs the soul of power to resist temptation. It removes the only real safeguard against sin. We are in need of schools where the youth shall be taught that greatness consists in honoring God by revealing His character in daily life. Through His word and His works we need to learn of God, that our lives may fulfill His purpose. MH 440.1"
"Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life."
Both passages emphasize the importance of guarding the heart. Proverbs 4:23 is a direct command to protect the heart, while EGW explains why this protection is necessary and how to achieve it.
"The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it?"
Both passages address the inherent inclination of the human heart towards evil. EGW expands on the consequences of this inclination, while Jeremiah 17:9 states the problem.
"How is it that men who are at war with the government of God come into possession of the wisdom which they sometimes display? Satan himself was educated in the heavenly courts, and he has a knowledge of good as well as of evil. He mingles the precious with the vile, and this is what gives him power to deceive. But because Satan has robed himself in garments of heavenly brightness, shall we receive him as an angel of light? The tempter has his agents, educated according to his methods, inspired by his spirit, and adapted to his work. Shall we co-operate with them? Shall we receive the works of his agents as essential to the acquirement of an education? MH 440.3"
"And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light."
The EGW passage directly references and expands upon the idea that Satan transforms himself into an angel of light, as stated in 2 Corinthians 11:14. It's a clear and intentional connection.
"If the time and effort spent in seeking to grasp the bright ideas of infidels were given to studying the precious things of the word of God, thousands who now sit in darkness and in the shadow of death would be rejoicing in the glory of the Light of life. MH 440.4"
"The people that walked in darkness have seen a great light: they that dwell in the land of the shadow of death, upon them hath the light shined."
The EGW passage uses the imagery of darkness and light to describe the state of those ignorant of God's word and the joy found in embracing it, echoing the sentiment of Isaiah 9:2.