"“They that forsake the law praise the wicked.” Proverbs 28:4 . When those who are uniting with the world, yet claiming great purity, plead for union with those who have ever been the opposers of the cause of truth, we should fear and shun them as decidedly as did Nehemiah. Such counsel is prompted by the enemy of all good. It is the speech of timeservers, and should be resisted as resolutely today as then. Whatever influence would tend to unsettle the faith of God's people in His guiding power, should be steadfastly withstood. PK 660.1"
"They that forsake the law praise the wicked: but such as keep the law contend with them."
Ellen White directly references Proverbs 28:4 in this passage.
"In Nehemiah's firm devotion to the work of God, and his equally firm reliance on God, lay the reason of the failure of his enemies to draw him into their power. The soul that is indolent falls an easy prey to temptation; but in the life that has a noble aim, an absorbing purpose, evil finds little foothold. The faith of him who is constantly advancing does not weaken; for above, beneath, beyond, he recognizes Infinite Love, working out all things to accomplish His good purpose. God's true servants work with a determination that will not fail because the throne of grace is their constant dependence. PK 660.2"
"Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you."
Both passages discuss resisting evil and temptation through reliance on God. The EGW passage expands on the idea of resisting evil by having a noble purpose and constant dependence on God, which aligns with the principle of submitting to God and resisting the devil in James 4:7.
"I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus."
Both passages emphasize the importance of pressing forward with a determined purpose. Philippians 3:14 speaks of pressing toward the mark, while the EGW passage discusses Nehemiah's firm devotion and the importance of a noble aim. Both highlight the idea of striving towards a goal with unwavering commitment.
"God has provided divine assistance for all the emergencies to which our human resources are unequal. He gives the Holy Spirit to help in every strait, to strengthen our hope and assurance, to illuminate our minds and purify our hearts. He provides opportunities and opens channels of working. If His people are watching the indications of His providence, and are ready to co-operate with Him, they will see mighty results. PK 660.3"
"But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you."
Both passages highlight the role of the Holy Spirit in providing divine assistance. John 14:26 specifically mentions the Holy Spirit as the Comforter who teaches and brings things to remembrance, while the EGW passage describes the Holy Spirit as helping in every strait, strengthening hope, illuminating minds, and purifying hearts. Both emphasize the Spirit's role in empowering believers.
"And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me."
The EGW passage echoes the principle of God's grace and strength being sufficient in times of weakness, as highlighted in 2 Corinthians 12:9. It expands on the practical application of this principle through the Holy Spirit and divine assistance.