"The God whom we serve is no respecter of persons. He who gave to Solomon the spirit of wise discernment is willing to impart the same blessing to His children today. “If any of you lack wisdom,” His word declares, “let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.” James 1:5 . When a burden bearer desires wisdom more than he desires wealth, power, or fame, he will not be disappointed. Such a one will learn from the Great Teacher not only what to do, but how to do it in a way that will meet with the divine approval. PK 31.1"
"If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him."
Ellen White directly references James 1:5 in this passage.
"So long as he remains consecrated, the man whom God has endowed with discernment and ability will not manifest an eagerness for high position, neither will he seek to rule or control. Of necessity men must bear responsibilities; but instead of striving for the supremacy, he who is a true leader will pray for an understanding heart, to discern between good and evil. PK 31.2"
"Give therefore thy servant an understanding heart to judge thy people, that I may discern between good and bad: for who is able to judge this thy so great a people?"
The EGW passage directly echoes the sentiment and request of Solomon in 1 Kings 3:9, emphasizing the importance of discernment and understanding, particularly for leaders. The connection is more than a thematic parallel; it's a direct application of the principle found in Solomon's prayer.
"But it shall not be so among you: but whosoever will be great among you, let him be your minister;"
EGW's statement reflects the principle of servant leadership taught by Jesus in Matthew 20:26. It's not a direct quote, but the underlying principle is the same.
"The path of men who are placed as leaders is not an easy one. But they are to see in every difficulty a call to prayer. Never are they to fail of consulting the great Source of all wisdom. Strengthened and enlightened by the Master Worker, they will be enabled to stand firm against unholy influences and to discern right from wrong, good from evil. They will approve that which God approves, and will strive earnestly against the introduction of wrong principles into His cause. PK 31.3"
"Give therefore thy servant an understanding heart to judge thy people, that I may discern between good and bad: for who is able to judge this thy so great a people?"
Both passages emphasize the importance of seeking wisdom from God, particularly for leaders, to discern between good and evil. The EGW passage echoes Solomon's prayer for discernment.
"If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him."
Both passages directly state that if one lacks wisdom, they should ask God for it, and He will provide it. The EGW passage encourages leaders to consult God, the source of wisdom, mirroring the principle in James.
"For the Lord giveth wisdom: out of his mouth cometh knowledge and understanding."
Both passages connect God as the source of wisdom. The EGW passage encourages leaders to consult the 'great Source of all wisdom,' while Proverbs 2:6 explicitly states that 'the Lord giveth wisdom.'
"The wisdom that Solomon desired above riches, honor, or long life, God gave him. His petition for a quick mind, a large heart, and a tender spirit was granted. “God gave Solomon wisdom and understanding exceeding much, and largeness of heart, even as the sand that is on the seashore. And Solomon's wisdom excelled the wisdom of all the children of the east country, and all the wisdom of Egypt. For he was wiser than all men; ... and his fame was in all nations round about.” 1 Kings 4:29-31 . PK 31.4"
"And God gave Solomon wisdom and understanding exceeding much, and largeness of heart, even as the sand that is on the sea shore."
The EGW passage directly quotes 1 Kings 4:29-31, making it an explicit allusion.
"And God gave Solomon wisdom and understanding exceeding much, and largeness of heart, even as the sand that is on the sea shore. And Solomon’s wisdom excelled the wisdom of all the children of the east country, and all the wisdom of Egypt. For he was wiser than all men; than Ethan the Ezrahite, and Heman, and Chalcol, and Darda, the sons of Mahol: and his fame was in all nations round about."
Ellen White directly references 1 Kings 4:29-31 in this passage.
"And God said unto him, Because thou hast asked this thing, and hast not asked for thyself long life; neither hast asked riches for thyself, nor hast asked the life of thine enemies; but hast asked for thyself understanding to discern judgment; Behold, I have done according to thy words: lo, I have given thee a wise and an understanding heart; so that there was none like thee before thee, neither after thee shall any arise like unto thee."
Both passages discuss Solomon's request for wisdom and God's granting of that request, prioritizing wisdom over riches and long life. While not a direct quote, the EGW passage references the same event and themes as 1 Kings 3:11-12.