"There is nothing more calculated to strengthen the intellect than the study of the Scriptures. No other book is so potent to elevate the thoughts, to give vigor to the faculties, as the broad, ennobling truths of the Bible. If God's word were studied as it should be, men would have a breadth of mind, a nobility of character, and a stability of purpose rarely seen in these times. SC 90.1"
"All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:"
2 Timothy 3:16 states that scripture is profitable for instruction and righteousness. EGW's statement that studying scripture strengthens the intellect and elevates thoughts aligns directly with this principle.
"For the Lord giveth wisdom: out of his mouth cometh knowledge and understanding."
The EGW passage directly echoes the principle that studying scripture leads to wisdom and understanding, which is explicitly stated in Proverbs 2:6.
"But there is but little benefit derived from a hasty reading of the Scriptures. One may read the whole Bible through and yet fail to see its beauty or comprehend its deep and hidden meaning. One passage studied until its significance is clear to the mind and its relation to the plan of salvation is evident, is of more value than the perusal of many chapters with no definite purpose in view and no positive instruction gained. Keep your Bible with you. As you have opportunity, read it; fix the texts in your memory. Even while you are walking the streets you may read a passage and meditate upon it, thus fixing it in the mind. SC 90.2"
"And these words, which I command thee this day, shall be in thine heart: And thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up."
Deuteronomy 6:6-7 commands the Israelites to keep God's words in their hearts and to talk about them constantly. EGW's passage directly reflects this principle by encouraging readers to keep the Bible with them, read it, and meditate on it throughout the day.
"If thou seekest her as silver, and searchest for her as for hid treasures;"
Both passages emphasize the importance of diligently seeking wisdom and understanding, comparing it to searching for valuable treasures. EGW's passage amplifies this idea in the context of studying scripture.
"But his delight is in the law of the Lord; and in his law doth he meditate day and night."
Both passages highlight the importance of meditating on scripture. EGW's passage echoes the sentiment of Psalms 1:2 by encouraging readers to meditate on scripture throughout the day.
"We cannot obtain wisdom without earnest attention and prayerful study. Some portions of Scripture are indeed too plain to be misunderstood, but there are others whose meaning does not lie on the surface to be seen at a glance. Scripture must be compared with scripture. There must be careful research and prayerful reflection. And such study will be richly repaid. As the miner discovers veins of precious metal concealed beneath the surface of the earth, so will he who perseveringly searches the word of God as for hid treasure find truths of the greatest value, which are concealed from the view of the careless seeker. The words of inspiration, pondered in the heart, will be as streams flowing from the fountain of life. SC 90.3"
"If thou seekest her as silver, and searchest for her as for hid treasures;"
The EGW passage directly alludes to Proverbs 2:4, using the same imagery of searching for hidden treasure to describe the diligent study of scripture. The connection is clear and intentional.
"For precept must be upon precept, precept upon precept; line upon line, line upon line; here a little, and there a little:"
While not a direct quote, the EGW passage echoes the sentiment of Isaiah 28:10 regarding the need to compare scripture with scripture and to study diligently, line upon line. The idea of piecing together understanding through careful study is present in both.