"The book is written in clear, simple, beautiful language, instructive to the learner, hopeful to the despondent, cheering to the sick, and restful to the weary. Through several decades it has conveyed its helpful message to hundreds of thousands, as it has been issued and reissued in many lands, in a dozen of the world's leading languages. MH 8.1"
"A man hath joy by the answer of his mouth: and a word spoken in due season, how good is it!"
Both passages highlight the positive impact of words. Proverbs 15:23 speaks of the joy and goodness of timely words, while the EGW passage describes the book's ability to bring hope, cheer, and rest. The connection is thematic, focusing on the power of communication.
"That this work, which presents a better way, revealing to us a simpler, sweeter life, full of joy and gladness, with room for that helpful service which “it is more blessed to give than to receive,” may fully accomplish its mission is the sincere hope of the publishers and MH 8.2"
"I have shewed you all things, how that so labouring ye ought to support the weak, and to remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he said, It is more blessed to give than to receive."
The EGW passage directly quotes the phrase 'it is more blessed to give than to receive,' which is explicitly stated in Acts 20:35. This is a clear and direct allusion.