"Returning with the trophies of victory, they angrily reproached Gideon: “Why hast thou served us thus, that thou calledst us not, when thou wentest to fight with the Midianites?” PP 555.1"
"And the men of Ephraim said unto him, Why hast thou served us thus, that thou calledst us not, when thou wentest to fight with the Midianites? And they did chide with him sharply."
This is a direct quote from Judges 8:1, used to illustrate the Ephraimites' reproach of Gideon.
"“What have I done now, in comparison of you?” said Gideon. “Is not the gleaning of the grapes of Ephraim better than the vintage of Abiezer? God hath delivered into your hands the princes of Midian, Oreb and Zeeb: and what was I able to do in comparison of you?” PP 555.2"
"And he said unto them, What have I done now in comparison of you? Is not the gleaning of the grapes of Ephraim better than the vintage of Abi–ezer?"
This is a direct quote from Judges 8:2, showing Gideon's response to the Ephraimites' anger.
"The spirit of jealousy might easily have been fanned into a quarrel that would have caused strife and bloodshed; but Gideon's modest answer soothed the anger of the men of Ephraim, and they returned in peace to their homes. Firm and uncompromising where principle was concerned, and in war a “mighty man of valor,” Gideon displayed also a spirit of courtesy that is rarely witnessed. PP 555.3"
"A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger."
The EGW passage illustrates the principle of Proverbs 15:1, showing how Gideon's soft answer diffused a potentially explosive situation. The connection is clear and meaningful.
"and noble were his motives. “I will not rule over you,” he declared; “neither shall my son rule over you: the Lord shall rule over you.” PP 555.4"
"And Gideon said unto them, I will not rule over you, neither shall my son rule over you: the Lord shall rule over you."
This is a direct quote from Judges 8:23, demonstrating Gideon's refusal to become king and his acknowledgment of God's sovereignty.
"But Gideon was betrayed into another error, which brought disaster upon his house and upon all Israel. The season of inactivity that succeeds a great struggle is often fraught with greater danger than is the period of conflict. To this danger Gideon was now exposed. A spirit of unrest was upon him. Hitherto he had been content to fulfill the directions given him from God; but now, instead of waiting for divine guidance, he began to plan for himself. When the armies of the Lord have gained a signal victory, Satan will redouble his efforts to overthrow the work of God. Thus thoughts and plans were suggested to the mind of Gideon, by which the people of Israel were led astray. PP 555.5"
"Wherefore let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall."
Both passages warn against complacency and the danger of falling after a period of success or perceived strength. The EGW passage illustrates this principle with Gideon's example, while 1 Corinthians 10:12 provides a general warning. The connection is strong and relevant.