EGW WritingsProverbs 19

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 9 (1894)

Lt 21, 1894

9LtMs, Lt 21, 1894, par. 9

O, how can God bear with the misdeeds of those who have had great light and advantages, and yet follow the course of their own choosing, to their eternal harm? Solomon, who had solemnly charged the people at the dedication of the temple, “Let your heart be perfect with the Lord your God” [1 Kings 8:61], chose his own way, and in his own heart separated from God. The mind that was once given to God and inspired of God to write the most precious words of wisdom (the book of Proverbs)—truths which are immortalized—that noble mind, through evil associations and yielding to temptations, became inefficient, weak in moral power, and Solomon dishonored himself, dishonored Israel, and dishonored his God.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 13 (1898)

Ms 40, 1898

13LtMs, Ms 40, 1898, par. 15

Solomon wrote the book of Proverbs, but after a time his wisdom became mingled with chaff. When came the chaff? After a manhood of such glorious promise, a change came in Solomon’s history. He did not continue true to his purity and allegiance to God. He broke through the barriers which God had erected to preserve His people from idolatry. The Lord had singled out Israel as a nation, making them the depositaries of sacred truth, to be given to the world. But Solomon cherished pride of political powers. He encouraged alliances with pagan kingdoms. He procured the silver of Tarshish and the gold of Ophir, but it was at the expense of destroying sacred trusts. Evil communications corrupted good manners. One false movement led to an acquaintance with idolaters. He formed marriage alliances with the daughters of pagan worshipers, and his wives led him away from God. His separation from God through communication with idolaters ruined him.

Prophets and Kings

Chapter 20—Naaman

PK 252.2

“A false witness shall not be unpunished, and he that speaketh lies shall not escape.” Proverbs 19:5. Men may think to hide their evil deeds from human eyes, but they cannot deceive God. “All things are naked and opened unto the eyes of Him with whom we have to do.” Hebrews 4:13. Gehazi thought to deceive Elisha, but God revealed to His prophet the words that Gehazi had spoken to Naaman, and every detail of the scene between the two men.

From Splendor to Shadow

Elisha’s Servant Has the Spirit of Judas

SS 135.5

“A false witness shall not be unpunished, and he that speaketh lies shall not escape.” Proverbs 19:5. “All things are naked and opened unto the eyes of Him with whom we have to do.” Hebrews 4:13. God revealed to His prophet every detail of the scene between Gehazi and Naaman.

Reflecting Christ

Self-control Through Christ, October 6

RC 293.1

Good sense makes a man slow to anger, and it is his glory to overlook an offense. Proverbs 19:11, R.S.V.

That I May Know Him

A Will of Your Own? July 22

TMK 209.1

The discretion of a man deferreth his anger; and it is his glory to pass over a transgression. Proverbs 19:11.

Letters to Young Lovers

What a Young Man Should Look for in a Wife

LYL 20.2

“A prudent wife is from the Lord.” “The heart of her husband doth safely trust in her.” “She will do him good and not evil all the days of her life.” “She openeth her mouth with wisdom; and in her tongue is the law of kindness. She looketh well to the ways of her household, and eateth not the bread of idleness. Her children arise up, and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praiseth her. Many daughters have done virtuously, but thou excellest them all.” “Whoso findeth a wife findeth a good thing, and obtaineth favour of the Lord.” Proverbs 19:14; 31:11, 12, 26-29; 18:22.

The Faith I Live By

Far Above Rubies, September 7

FLB 256.8

“A prudent wife is from the Lord.” Proverbs 19:14. “The heart of her husband doth safely trust in her....” “She openeth her mouth with wisdom; and in her tongue is the law of kindness. She looketh well to the ways of her household, and eateth not the bread of idleness. Her children arise up, and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praiseth her,” saying, “Many daughters have done virtuously, but thou excellest them all.” Proverbs 31:11, 12, 26-29. He who gains such a wife “findeth a good thing, and obtaineth favour of the Lord.” 35The Ministry of Healing, 359.

The Ministry of Healing

Chapter 29—The Builders of the Home

MH 359.4

“A prudent wife is from the Lord.” “The heart of her husband doth safely trust in her.... She will do him good and not evil all the days of her life.” “She openeth her mouth with wisdom; and in her tongue is the law of kindness. She looketh well to the ways of her household, and eateth not the bread of idleness. Her children arise up, and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praiseth her,” saying, “Many daughters have done virtuously, but thou excellest them all.” He who gains such a wife “findeth a good thing, and obtaineth favor of the Lord.” Proverbs 19:14; 31:11, 12, 26-29; 18:22.

A Call To Stand Apart

Chapter 15—Social Justice

CSA 58.6

He that hath pity upon the poor lendeth unto the Lord; and that which he hath given will he payhim again. Proverbs 19:17.

Education

Chapter 15—Business Principles and Methods

Ed 141.1

“Seek judgment, relieve the oppressed, judge the fatherless, plead for the widow.” “Blessed is he that considereth the poor: the Lord will deliver him in time of trouble. The Lord will preserve him, and keep him alive; and he shall be blessed upon the earth: and Thou wilt not deliver him unto the will of his enemies.” “He that hath pity upon the poor lendeth unto the Lord; and that which he hath given will He pay him again.” Isaiah 1:17; Psalm 41:1, 2; Proverbs 19:17.

Gospel Workers (1915 ed.)

The Reward of Service

GW 514.1

Many are God’s promises to those who minister to His afflicted ones. He says: “Blessed is he that considereth the poor: the Lord will deliver him in time of trouble. The Lord will preserve him, and keep him alive; and he shall be blessed upon the earth: and Thou wilt not deliver him unto the will of his enemies. The Lord will strengthen him upon the bed of languishing: Thou wilt make all his bed in his sickness.” “Trust in the Lord, and do good; so shalt thou dwell in the land, and verily thou shalt be fed.” [Psalm 41:1-3; 37:3.] “Honor the Lord with thy substance, and with the first-fruits of all thine increase: so shall thy barns be filled with plenty, and thy presses shall burst out with new wine.” “There is that scattereth, and yet increaseth; and there is that withholdeth more than is meet, but it tendeth to poverty.” “He that hath pity upon the poor lendeth unto the Lord; and that which he hath given will He pay him again.” “The liberal soul shall be made fat: and he that watereth shall be watered also himself.” [Proverbs 3:9, 10; 11:24; 19:17; 11:25.]

Testimonies for the Church, vol. 6

Chapter 37—The Reward of Service

6T 306.4

Many are God’s promises to those who minister to His afflicted ones. He says: “Blessed is he that considereth the poor: the Lord will deliver him in time of trouble. The Lord will preserve him, and keep him alive; and he shall be blessed upon the earth: and Thou wilt not deliver him unto the will of his enemies. The Lord will strengthen him upon the bed of languishing: Thou wilt make all his bed in his sickness.” “Trust in the Lord, and do good; so shalt thou dwell in the land, and verily thou shalt be fed.” Psalm 41:1-3; 37:3. “Honor the Lord with thy substance, and with the first fruits of all thine increase: so shall thy barns be filled with plenty, and thy presses shall burst out with new wine.” “There is that scattereth, and yet increaseth; and there is that withholdeth more than is meet, but it tendeth to poverty.” “He that hath pity upon the poor lendeth unto the Lord; and that which he hath given will He pay him again.” “The liberal soul shall be made fat: and he that watereth shall be watered also himself.” Proverbs 3:9, 10; 11:24; Proverbs 19:17; 11:25.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 6 (1889-1890)

Lt 28, 1889

6LtMs, Lt 28, 1889, par. 7

Sister Gotzian: Will you please duplicate this and receive a blessing from the Lord for so doing? “He that giveth to the poor, lendeth to the Lord.” [Proverbs 19:17.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 12 (1897)

Lt 83, 1897

12LtMs, Lt 83, 1897, par. 27

“There is that scattereth and yet increaseth and there is that withholdeth more than is meet but it tendeth to poverty. The liberal soul shall be made fat and he that watereth shall be watered himself.” [Proverbs 11:24, 25.] “He that hath pity upon the poor lendeth unto the Lord, and that which he hath given him will he pay him again.” [Proverbs 19:17.] “And if thou draw out thy soul to the hungry and satisfy the afflicted soul, then shall thy light rise in obscurity, and thy darkness be as the noonday, and the Lord shall guide thee continually, and satisfy thy soul in drought, and make fat thy bones and thou shalt be like a watered garden and like a spring of water, whose waters fail not.” [Isaiah 58:10, 11.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 12 (1897)

Ms 14a, 1897

12LtMs, Ms 14a, 1897, par. 22

“There is that scattereth and yet increaseth, and there is that withholdeth more than is meet, but it tendeth to poverty. The liberal soul shall be made fat: and he that watereth shall be watered himself.” [Proverbs 11:24, 25.] “He that hath pity upon the poor lendeth unto the Lord, and that which he hath given him will he pay him again.” [Proverbs 19:17.] “And if thou draw out thy soul to the hungry and satisfy the afflicted soul, then shall thy light rise in obscurity, and thy darkness be as the noonday, and the Lord shall guide thee continually, and satisfy thy soul in drought, and make fat thy bones and thou shalt be like a watered garden and like a spring of water, whose waters fail not.” [Isaiah 58:10, 11.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 14 (1899)

Ms 145, 1899

14LtMs, Ms 145, 1899, par. 19

“He that hath pity on the poor lendeth unto the Lord; and that which he hath given will he pay him again.” [Proverbs 19:17.] “Give and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give unto your bosoms. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again.” [Luke 6:38.] “True religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world.” [James 1:27.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 20 (1905)

Lt 243a, 1905

20LtMs, Lt 243a, 1905, par. 13

“He that hath pity upon the poor lendeth unto the Lord: and that which he hath given will He pay him again.” [Proverbs 19:17.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 14 (1899)

Lt 97, 1899

14LtMs, Lt 97, 1899, par. 1

I am compelled to write to you by this morning’s mail in regard to your son. I think it would be well for you to come to Cooranbong and take him away with you; if not, some one must go to the expense of taking him to Sydney. That the boy is converted is all a mistake. He has not submitted his will to the will of the Lord. He will not be advised or counselled. Perhaps he would be brought to his senses by the rod, which I fear has not been used in his case. The Word of the Lord says, “Chasten thy son while there is hope, and let not thy soul spare for his crying.” “He that spareth his rod hateth his son: but he that loveth him chasteneth him betimes.” [Proverbs 19:18; 13:24.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 7 (1891-1892)

Ms 25a, 1891

7LtMs, Ms 25a, 1891, par. 33

“There are many devices in a man’s heart; nevertheless, the counsel of God, that shall stand.” [Proverbs 19:21.] “Commit thy way unto the Lord, and thy way shall be established.” The Lord wants to drain His ministers and workers of self, so that He can impart to them His Holy Spirit. They will never be successful, notwithstanding their highest qualifications of education and experience, unless they have an indwelling Saviour. They must first take a low place before God, and be imbued with His Spirit, if they would have an influence with their fellow men. Then right conduct is secured in all places and under all circumstances. They will not be selfish, impatient, and uncourteous; for when they act thus, they plainly say, I have not put the Lord always before me; I have not Jesus by my side; it is self I am serving today. Those <who abide in Christ> will have an experience of the highest value; they will be a blessing to others. Their earnest, whole-souled prayers will be heard, and light, Heaven’s light, will come to them. Such cannot but shine as lights in the world, reflecting to all with whom they associate the treasures of the future glory.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 16 (1901)

Lt 193, 1901

16LtMs, Lt 193, 1901, par. 27

By no effort man may make can he thwart the purpose of God. “A man’s heart deviseth his way; but the Lord directeth his steps.” “There are many devices in a man’s heart; nevertheless the counsel of the Lord, that shall stand.” [Proverbs 16:9; 19:21.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 22 (1907)

Ms 165, 1907

22LtMs, Ms 165, 1907, par. 3

Man cannot by any human effort thwart the purposes of God. “A man’s heart deviseth his way: but the Lord directeth his steps.” “There are many devices in a man’s heart, nevertheless the counsel of the heart that shall stand.” [Proverbs 16:9; 19:21.] “All power is given unto Me .... Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world.” [Matthew 28:18-20.] Will we each consider this matter and be wise for ourselves? We receive the grace of God to bestow ... [pages 3-6 of the manuscript are missing].

Christian Education

Chapter 7—The Schools of the Prophets

CE 67.2

The opinion which prevails in some classes of society, that religion is not conducive to health or to happiness in this life, is one of the most mischievous of errors. The Scripture says: “The fear of the Lord tendeth to life; and he that hath it shall abide satisfied.” [Proverbs 19:23.] “What man is he that desireth life, and loveth many days, that he may see good? Keep thy tongue from evil, and thy lips from speaking guile. Depart from evil, and do good; seek peace, and pursue it.” [Psalm 34:12-14.] The words of wisdom “are life unto those that find them, and health to all their flesh.” [Proverbs 4:22.]

Jesus, Name Above All Names

Fountain of Happiness, September 14

JNN 272.1

The fear of the LORD leads to life, and he who has it will abide in satisfaction.—Proverbs 19:23

JNN 272.2

The opinion which prevails in some classes of society, that religion is not conducive to health or to happiness in this life, is one of the most mischievous of errors. The Scripture says: “The fear of the Lord tendeth to life: and he that hath it shall abide satisfied” (Proverbs 19:23). “What man is he that desireth life, and loveth many days, that he may see good? Keep thy tongue from evil, and thy lips from speaking guile. Depart from evil, and do good; seek peace, and pursue it” (Psalm 34:12-14)....

Counsels on Health

To Promulgate Health Principles

CH 206.3

In the preparation of a people for the Lord’s second coming, a great work is to be accomplished through the promulgation of health principles. The people are to be instructed in regard to the needs of the physical organism and the value of healthful living as taught in the Scriptures, that the bodies which God has created may be presented to Him a living sacrifice, fitted to render Him acceptable service. There is a great work to be done for suffering humanity in relieving their sufferings by the use of the natural agencies that God has provided, and in teaching them how to prevent sickness by the regulation of the appetites and passions. The people should be taught that transgression of the laws of nature is transgression of the laws of God. They should be taught the truth in physical as well as in spiritual lines, that “the fear of the Lord tendeth to life.” Proverbs 19:23. “If thou wilt enter into life,” Christ says, “keep the commandments.” Matthew 19:17. Live out My law “as the apple of thine eye.” God’s commandments, obeyed, are “life unto those that find them, and health to all their flesh.” Proverbs 4:22.

Our Father Cares

True Religion Promotes Health, November 10

OFC 326.3

The opinion which prevails in some classes of society, that religion is not conducive to health or to happiness in this life, is one of the most mischievous of errors. The Scripture says: “The fear of the Lord tendeth to life: and he that hath it shall abide satisfied” (Proverbs 19:23). “What man is he that desireth life, and loveth many days, that he may see good? Keep thy tongue from evil, and thy lips from speaking guile. Depart from evil, and do good; seek peace, and pursue it” (Psalm 34:12-14). The words of wisdom “are life unto those that find them, and health to all their flesh” (Proverbs 4:22).

Patriarchs and Prophets

Chapter 58—The Schools of the Prophets

PP 600.1

The opinion which prevails in some classes of society, that religion is not conducive to health or to happiness in this life, is one of the most mischievous of errors. The Scripture says: “The fear of the Lord tendeth to life: and he that hath it shall abide satisfied.” Proverbs 19:23. “What man is he that desireth life, and loveth many days, that he may see good? Keep thy tongue from evil, and thy lips from speaking guile. Depart from evil, and do good; seek peace, and pursue it.” Psalm 34:12-14. The words of wisdom “are life unto those that find them, and health to all their flesh.” Proverbs 4:22.

Reflecting Christ

True Religion Promotes Health, May 19

RC 153.3

The opinion which prevails in some classes of society, that religion is not conducive to health or to happiness in this life, is one of the most mischievous of errors. The Scripture says: “The fear of the Lord tendeth to life: and he that hath it shall abide satisfied” (Proverbs 19:23). “What man is he that desireth life, and loveth many days, that he may see good? Keep thy tongue from evil, and thy lips from speaking guile. Depart from evil, and do good; seek peace, and pursue it” (Psalm 34:12-14). The words of wisdom “are life unto those that find them, and health to all their flesh” (Proverbs 4:22).

Testimonies for the Church, vol. 6

Chapter 26—God’s Design in Our Sanitariums

6T 224.3

In the preparation of a people for the Lord’s second coming a great work is to be accomplished through the promulgation of health principles. The people are to be instructed in regard to the needs of the physical organism and the value of healthful living as taught in the Scriptures, that the bodies which God has created may be presented to Him a living sacrifice, fitted to render Him acceptable service. There is a great work to be done for suffering humanity in relieving their sufferings by the use of the natural agencies that God has provided and in teaching them how to prevent sickness by the regulation of the appetites and passions. The people should be taught that transgression of the laws of nature is transgression of the laws of God. They should be taught the truth in physical as well as in spiritual lines that “the fear of the Lord tendeth to life.” Proverbs 19:23. “If thou wilt enter into life,” Christ says, “keep the commandments.” Matthew 19:17. Live out My law as the apple of thine eye.” Proverbs 7:2. God’s commandments, obeyed, are “life unto those that find them, and health to all their flesh.” Proverbs 4:22.

Testimony Treasures, vol. 2

To Promulgate Health Principles

2TT 482.2

In the preparation of a people for the Lord’s second coming a great work is to be accomplished through the promulgation of health principles. The people are to be instructed in regard to the needs of the physical organism and the value of healthful living as taught in the Scriptures, that the bodies which God has created may be presented to Him a living sacrifice, fitted to render Him acceptable service. There is a great work to be done for suffering humanity in relieving their sufferings by the use of the natural agencies that God has provided and in teaching them how to prevent sickness by the regulation of the appetites and passions. The people should be taught that transgression of the laws of nature is transgression of the laws of God. They should be taught the truth in physical as well as in spiritual lines that “the fear of the Lord tendeth to life.” Proverbs 19:23. “If thou wilt enter into life,” Christ says, “keep the commandments.” Matthew 19:17. Live out “My law as the apple of thine eye.” Proverbs 7:2. God’s commandments, obeyed, are “life unto those that find them, and health to all their flesh.” Proverbs 4:22.

From Eternity Past

Religion Conducive to Health and Happiness

EP 435.2

The opinion that religion is not conducive to health or happiness is one of the most mischievous of errors. Scripture says: “The fear of the Lord tendeth to life: and he that hath it shall abide satisfied.” Proverbs 19:23. The words of wisdom “are life unto those that find them, and health to all their flesh.” Proverbs 4:22.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 23 (1908)

Lt 218, 1908

23LtMs, Lt 218, 1908, par. 20

“In the preparation of a people for the Lord’s second coming, a great work is to be accomplished through the promulgation of health principles. The people are to be instructed in regard to the needs of the physical organism, and the value of healthful living as taught in the Scriptures, that the bodies which God has created may be presented to Him a living sacrifice, fitted to render Him acceptable service. There is a great work to be done for suffering humanity in relieving their sufferings by the use of the natural agencies that God has provided, and in teaching them how to prevent sickness by the regulations of the appetites and passions. The people should be taught that transgression of the laws of nature is transgression of the laws of God. They should be taught the truth in physical as well as spiritual lines, that ‘the fear of the Lord tendeth to life.’ [Proverbs 19:23.] ‘If thou wilt enter into life,’ Christ says, ‘keep the commandments.’ [Matthew 19:17.] Live out My law ‘as the apple of thine eye.’ God’s commandments, obeyed, are ‘life unto those that find them, and health to all their flesh.’ [Proverbs 7:2; 4:22.]

The Faith I Live By

Wolves in Sheep’s Clothing, November 12

FLB 322.5

We are not bidden to prove them by their fair speeches and exalted professions. They are to be judged by the Word of God.... “Cease, my son, to hear the instruction that causeth to err from the words of knowledge.” Proverbs 19:27. What message do these teachers bring? Does it lead you to reverence and fear God? Does it lead you to manifest your love for Him by loyalty to His commandments? 40Thoughts from the Mount of Blessing, 145.

Thoughts From the Mount of Blessing

“Beware of false prophets.”—Matthew 7:15.

MB 145.2

We are not bidden to prove them by their fair speeches and exalted professions. They are to be judged by the word of God. “To the law and to the testimony: if they speak not according to this word it is because there is no light in them.” “Cease, my son, to hear the instruction that causeth to err from the words of knowledge.” Isaiah 8:20; Proverbs 19:27. What message do these teachers bring? Does it lead you to reverence and fear God? Does it lead you to manifest your love for Him by loyalty to His commandments? If men do not feel the weight of the moral law; if they make light of God’s precepts; if they break one of the least of His commandments, and teach men so, they shall be of no esteem in the sight of heaven. We may know that their claims are without foundation. They are doing the very work that originated with the prince of darkness, the enemy of God.