"The conduct of the captive maid, the way that she bore herself in that heathen home, is a strong witness to the power of early home training. There is no higher trust than that committed to fathers and mothers in the care and training of their children. Parents have to do with the very foundations of habit and character. By their example and teaching the future of their children is largely decided. PK 245.1"
"Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it."
The EGW passage directly expands upon the principle of Proverbs 22:6, emphasizing the importance of early training and its lasting impact. The connection is clear and meaningful.
"And these words, which I command thee this day, shall be in thine heart: And thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up."
Deuteronomy 6:6-7 is a clear command to teach children God's word diligently. The EGW passage echoes this command and expands on its importance in shaping a child's character. The connection is strong.
"Happy are the parents whose lives are a true reflection of the divine, so that the promises and commands of God awaken in the child gratitude and reverence; the parents whose tenderness and justice and long-suffering interpret to the child the love and justice and long-suffering of God, and who by teaching the child to love and trust and obey them, are teaching him to love and trust and obey his Father in heaven. Parents who impart to the child such a gift have endowed him with a treasure more precious than the wealth of all the ages, a treasure as enduring as eternity. PK 245.2"
"Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it."
While not a direct quote, the EGW passage builds upon the idea of training a child, as mentioned in Proverbs 22:6, by emphasizing the importance of parental example and teaching in shaping a child's relationship with God. It's a thematic parallel rather than a direct principle.
"We know not in what line our children may be called to serve. They may spend their lives within the circle of the home; they may engage in life's common vocations, or go as teachers of the gospel to heathen lands; but all are alike called to be missionaries for God, ministers of mercy to the world. They are to obtain an education that will help them to stand by the side of Christ in unselfish service. PK 245.3"
"Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:"
The EGW passage connects the idea of raising children to serve God with the Great Commission in Matthew 28:19. While not a direct quote, the underlying theme of spreading God's message and serving as missionaries is present in both passages.