"Our Saviour did not encourage any to attend the rabbinical schools of His day, for the reason that their minds would be corrupted with the continually repeated, “They say,” or, “It has been said.” Why, then, should we accept the unstable words of men as exalted wisdom, when a greater, a certain, wisdom is at our command? MH 449.1"
"But he answered and said unto them, Why do ye also transgress the commandment of God by your tradition?"
The EGW passage echoes the principle found in Matthew 15:3, where Jesus criticizes the Pharisees for prioritizing tradition over God's commandments. EGW similarly warns against accepting the 'unstable words of men' over divine wisdom.
"Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ."
Both passages warn against being led astray by human traditions and philosophies, urging reliance on a higher, divine source of truth. EGW's specific critique of the rabbinical schools and their reliance on tradition directly echoes the warning in Colossians 2:8 about being spoiled by 'the tradition of men.'
"That which I have seen of eternal things, and that which I have seen of the weakness of humanity, has deeply impressed my mind and influenced my lifework. I see nothing wherein man should be praised or glorified. I see no reason why the opinions of worldly-wise men and so-called great men should be trusted in and exalted. How can those who are destitute of divine enlightenment have correct ideas of God's plans and ways? They either deny Him altogether and ignore His existence, or they circumscribe His power by their own finite conceptions. MH 449.2"
"For the wisdom of this world is foolishness with God. For it is written, He taketh the wise in their own craftiness."
Both passages contrast worldly wisdom with divine wisdom. EGW's statement about the opinions of worldly-wise men not being trustworthy aligns with 1 Corinthians 3:19, which states that the wisdom of this world is foolishness with God.
"Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools,"
Both passages address the folly of those who claim wisdom but are actually foolish. EGW's statement about people denying God or circumscribing His power connects to Romans 1:22, which describes people 'professing themselves to be wise, they became fools.'
"Let us choose to be taught by Him who created the heavens and the earth, by Him who set the stars in their order in the firmament and appointed the sun and the moon to do their work. MH 449.3"
"Lift up your eyes on high, and behold who hath created these things, that bringeth out their host by number: he calleth them all by names by the greatness of his might, for that he is strong in power; not one faileth."
Both passages emphasize God as the creator of the heavens and the earth. EGW's call to be taught by the Creator directly parallels Isaiah 40:26, which invites people to consider who created the stars and the universe.
"The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament sheweth his handywork."
Both passages refer to God as the creator of the heavens and earth, and the order of the stars. The EGW passage expands on this theme, but the connection to Psalm 19:1 is clear.
"It is right for the youth to feel that they must reach the highest development of their mental powers. We would not restrict the education to which God has set no limit. But our attainments avail nothing if not put to use for the honor of God and the good of humanity. MH 449.4"
"Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God."
Both passages emphasize that all actions, including education and development of mental powers, should be done to the glory of God. EGW's statement about attainments being used for the honor of God and the good of humanity directly reflects the principle in 1 Corinthians 10:31, which states to do all to the glory of God.
"It is not well to crowd the mind with studies that require intense application, but that are not brought into use in practical life. Such education will be a loss to the student. For these studies lessen his desire and inclination for the studies that would fit him for usefulness and enable him to fulfill his responsibilities. A practical training is worth far more than any amount of mere theorizing. It is not enough even to have knowledge. We must have ability to use the knowledge aright. MH 449.5"
"But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves."
This is a strong connection. James 1:22 directly commands being doers of the word, and EGW echoes this sentiment by emphasizing the need to use knowledge aright and not just possess it.
"And every one that heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them not, shall be likened unto a foolish man, which built his house upon the sand:"
Both passages emphasize the importance of practical application and the futility of knowledge without action. Matthew 7:26 speaks of hearing and not doing, while EGW speaks of knowledge without the ability to use it aright.
"Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding."
Both passages emphasize the importance of practical wisdom and understanding over mere accumulation of knowledge. While not a direct quote, the EGW passage aligns with the principle of prioritizing wisdom that leads to usefulness.