In acquiring the wisdom of the Babylonians, Daniel and his companions were far more successful than their fellow students; but their learning did not come by chance. They obtained their knowledge by the faithful use of their powers, under the guidance of the Holy Spirit. They placed themselves in connection with the Source of all wisdom, making the knowledge of God the foundation of their education. In faith they prayed for wisdom, and they lived their prayers. They placed themselves where God could bless them. They avoided that which would weaken their powers, and improved every opportunity to become intelligent in all lines of learning. They followed the rules of life that could not fail to give them strength of intellect. They sought to acquire knowledge for one purpose—that they might honor God. They realized that in order to stand as representatives of true religion amid the false religions of heathenism they must have clearness of intellect and must perfect a Christian character.…
"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."
The EGW passage directly echoes the principle in James 1:5, emphasizing that wisdom is obtained through prayer and a connection with God. The passage elaborates on how Daniel and his companions sought wisdom through faith and aligning their lives with God's will.
"For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure."
The EGW passage illustrates the principle of God working in individuals to fulfill His purpose, as stated in Philippians 2:13. It highlights how Daniel and his companions' success was a result of both their own efforts and God's guidance.
"True success in any line of work is not the result of chance or accident or destiny. It is the outworking of God's providences, the reward of faith and discretion, of virtue and perseverance. Fine mental qualities and a high moral tone are not the result of accident. God gives opportunities; success depends upon the use made of them. PK 486.2"
"Commit thy works unto the Lord, and thy thoughts shall be established."
The EGW passage aligns with the principle in Proverbs 16:3, emphasizing that success is achieved through committing one's works to the Lord. It highlights the importance of faith, discretion, virtue, and perseverance in achieving true success, which are all elements of trusting in God's guidance.
"While God was working in Daniel and his companions “to will and to do of His good pleasure,” they were working out their own salvation. Philippians 2:13 . Herein is revealed the outworking of the divine principle of co-operation, without which no true success can be attained. Human effort avails nothing without divine power; and without human endeavor, divine effort is with many of no avail. To make God's grace our own, we must act our part. His grace is given to work in us to will and to do, but never as a substitute for our effort. PK 486.3"
"For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure."
The EGW passage directly quotes and expands upon Philippians 2:13, emphasizing the co-operation between divine power and human effort in achieving salvation and success. It explicitly acknowledges the verse and explains its application in the lives of Daniel and his companions.