"Sensational Literature Many of the popular publications of the day are filled with sensational stories that are educating the youth in wickedness and leading them in the path to perdition. Mere children in years are old in a knowledge of crime. They are incited to evil by the tales they read. In imagination they act over the deeds portrayed, until their ambition is aroused to see what they can do in committing crime and evading punishment. MH 444"
"Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life."
Both passages emphasize the importance of guarding one's heart/mind from negative influences. Proverbs 4:23 is a general principle, and the EGW passage is a specific application of that principle to sensational literature.
"And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God."
Both passages address the dangers of conforming to worldly influences. Romans 12:2 calls for transformation through renewing the mind, while the EGW passage warns against the corrupting influence of sensational literature.
"And a knowledge of Greek and Latin is not needed by many. The study of dead languages should be made secondary to a study of those subjects that teach the right use of all the powers of body and mind. It is folly for students to devote their time to the acquirement of dead languages or of book knowledge in any line, to the neglect of a training for life's practical duties. MH 444.2"
"For bodily exercise profiteth little: but godliness is profitable unto all things, having promise of the life that now is, and of that which is to come."
EGW's emphasis on prioritizing practical skills and training over the exclusive pursuit of academic knowledge, particularly dead languages, echoes the sentiment in 1 Timothy 4:8, which highlights the greater value of godliness (and by extension, practical spiritual living) compared to mere bodily exercise. Both passages advocate for a balanced approach to life, prioritizing what truly matters.
"What do students carry with them when they leave school? Where are they going? What are they to do? Have they the knowledge that will enable them to teach others? Have they been educated to be true fathers and mothers? Can they stand at the head of a family as wise instructors? The only education worthy of the name is that which leads young men and young women to be Christlike, which fits them to bear life's responsibilities, fits them to stand at the head of their families. Such an education is not to be acquired by a study of heathen classics. MH 444.3"
"Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles?"
Both passages discuss the importance of the outcome or 'fruit' of one's actions or education. Matthew 7:16 speaks of judging by fruits, while the EGW passage speaks of the fruits of education.
"To the active minds of children and youth the scenes pictured in imaginary revelations of the future are realities. As revolutions are predicted and all manner of proceedings described that break down the barriers of law and self-restraint, many catch the spirit of these representations. They are led to the commission of crimes even worse, if possible, than these sensational writers depict. Through such influences as these, society is becoming demoralized. The seeds of lawlessness are sown broadcast. None need marvel that a harvest of crime is the result. MH 444.5"
"Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap."
The EGW passage is a clear illustration of the principle stated in Galatians 6:7. The sowing of lawlessness leads to a harvest of crime.