"Says the wise man, “Labor not to be rich: cease from thine own wisdom.” “He that is greedy of gain troubleth his own house; but he that hateth gifts shall live.” Proverbs 23:4 ; 15:27 . And the apostle Paul declares, “They that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition.” 1 Timothy 6:9 . PP 168.2"
"Labour not to be rich: cease from thine own wisdom."
Ellen White directly references Proverbs 23:4 in this passage.
"But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition."
Ellen White directly references 1 Timothy 6:9 in this passage.
"When Lot entered Sodom he fully intended to keep himself free from iniquity and to command his household after him. But he signally failed. The corrupting influences about him had an effect upon his own faith, and his children's connection with the inhabitants of Sodom bound up his interest in a measure with theirs. The result is before us. PP 168.3"
"And delivered just Lot, vexed with the filthy conversation of the wicked: (For that righteous man dwelling among them, in seeing and hearing, vexed his righteous soul from day to day with their unlawful deeds;)"
The EGW passage directly refers to Lot's experience in Sodom and echoes the sentiment of 2 Peter 2:7-8 regarding Lot's vexation with the wickedness around him. It amplifies the biblical account by explaining how Lot's initial good intentions were undermined by the corrupting influences of Sodom.
"Abram dwelled in the land of Canaan, and Lot dwelled in the cities of the plain, and pitched his tent toward Sodom."
Both passages discuss Lot's decision to dwell near Sodom and the consequences of that decision. Genesis 13:12 sets the scene, and EGW elaborates on the negative impact of this choice.
"Many are still making a similar mistake. In selecting a home they look more to the temporal advantages they may gain than to the moral and social influences that will surround themselves and their families. They choose a beautiful and fertile country, or remove to some flourishing city, in the hope of securing greater prosperity; but their children are surrounded by temptation, and too often they form associations that are unfavorable to the development of piety and the formation of a right character. The atmosphere of lax morality, of unbelief, of indifference to religious things, has a tendency to counteract the influence of the parents. Examples of rebellion against parental and divine authority are ever before the youth; many form attachments for infidels and unbelievers, and cast in their lot with the enemies of God. PP 168.4"
"But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you."
The EGW passage warns against prioritizing temporal advantages over spiritual well-being when choosing a home, which directly contradicts the principle of seeking God's kingdom first as stated in Matthew 6:33. It illustrates the negative consequences of neglecting this principle.