"What a contrast between the course of Isaac and that pursued by the youth of our time, even among professed Christians! Young people too often feel that the bestowal of their affections is a matter in which self alone should be consulted—a matter that neither God nor their parents should in any wise control. Long before they have reached manhood or womanhood they think themselves competent to make their own choice, without the aid of their parents. A few years of married life are usually sufficient to show them their error, but often too late to prevent its baleful results. For the same lack of wisdom and self-control that dictated the hasty choice is permitted to aggravate the evil, until the marriage relation becomes a galling yoke. Many have thus wrecked their happiness in this life and their hope of the life to come. PP 175.3"
"My son, hear the instruction of thy father, and forsake not the law of thy mother:"
The EGW passage discusses the importance of seeking parental guidance in choosing a partner, which directly reflects the instruction in Proverbs 1:8 to heed parental instruction.
"If there is any subject which should be carefully considered and in which the counsel of older and more experienced persons should be sought, it is the subject of marriage; if ever the Bible was needed as a counselor, if ever divine guidance should be sought in prayer, it is before taking a step that binds persons together for life. PP 175.4"
"Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths."
The EGW passage emphasizes seeking divine guidance and not relying on one's own understanding when making important decisions like marriage. This aligns directly with the principle in Proverbs 3:5-6 to trust in the Lord and acknowledge Him in all ways.
"The way of a fool is right in his own eyes: but he that hearkeneth unto counsel is wise."
Both passages emphasize the importance of seeking counsel from others, especially in important decisions. The EGW passage specifically mentions marriage, while Proverbs 12:15 speaks generally about the wisdom of heeding counsel.
"Parents should never lose sight of their own responsibility for the future happiness of their children. Isaac's deference to his father's judgment was the result of the training that had taught him to love a life of obedience. While Abraham required his children to respect parental authority, his daily life testified that that authority was not a selfish or arbitrary control, but was founded in love, and had their welfare and happiness in view. PP 175.5"
"And, ye fathers, provoke not your children to wrath: but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord."
Both passages address parental responsibility in raising children. Ephesians 6:4 warns against provoking children, while the EGW passage emphasizes the importance of love and a non-arbitrary approach to parental authority, aligning with the principle of nurturing children in a positive way.
"Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it."
Both passages emphasize the importance of early training and its lasting impact on a child's life. The EGW passage illustrates this principle through the example of Isaac, while Proverbs 22:6 provides a general statement of the principle.