"The Testing Time In summer, as we look upon the trees of the distant forest, all clothed with a beautiful mantle of green, we may not be able to distinguish between the evergreens and the other trees. But as winter approaches, and the frost king encloses them in his icy embrace, stripping the other trees of their beautiful foliage, the evergreens are readily discerned. Thus it will be with all who are walking in humility, distrustful of self, but clinging tremblingly to the hand of Christ. While those who are self-confident, and trust in their own perfection of character, lose their false robe of righteousness when subjected to the storms of trial, the truly righteous, who sincerely love and fear God, wear the robe of Christ's righteousness in prosperity and adversity alike. SL 11"
"Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them."
Matthew 7:20 states that we will know people by their fruits. EGW uses the analogy of evergreen trees remaining green in winter while other trees lose their leaves to illustrate how true righteousness is revealed during times of testing. The core idea of judging by outward manifestations of inner character connects the two passages.
"Every man’s work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man’s work of what sort it is."
1 Corinthians 3:13 speaks of a day when every man's work will be revealed and tested by fire. EGW's analogy of winter revealing the evergreens connects to the idea of a testing time that reveals true character. Both passages suggest that trials will expose the true nature of one's faith or works.