EGW WritingsProverbs 22

In Heavenly Places

The Gold of Christian Character, June 15

HP 173.1

A good name is rather to be chosen than great riches, and loving favour rather than silver and gold. Proverbs 22:1.

Our Father Cares

The Gold of Christian Character, June 15

OFC 178.1

A good name is rather to be chosen than great riches, and loving favour rather than silver and gold. Proverbs 22:1.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 17 (1902)

Lt 22a, 1902

17LtMs, Lt 22a, 1902, par. 19

I meant to say this to you when I was with you, but I had not strength, and you had not time. I must now tell you that you need a reformation in mind and heart. Do not put the worst construction on the words and actions of others. “A good name is rather to be chosen than great riches, and loving favor rather than silver and gold.” [Proverbs 22:1.] “Sanctify them through thy truth; thy word is truth.” [John 17:17.]

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.

The Desire of Ages

Chapter 43—Barriers Broken Down

DA 403.3

Caste is hateful to God. He ignores everything of this character. In His sight the souls of all men are of equal value. He “hath made of one blood all nations of men for to dwell on all the face of the earth, and hath determined the times before appointed, and the bounds of their habitation; that they should seek the Lord, if haply they might feel after Him, and find Him, though He be not far from every one of us.” Without distinction of age, or rank, or nationality, or religious privilege, all are invited to come unto Him and live. “Whosoever believeth on Him shall not be ashamed. For there is no difference.” “There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free.” “The rich and poor meet together: the Lord is the Maker of them all.” “The same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon Him. For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.” Acts 17:26, 27; Galatians 3:28; Proverbs 22:2; Romans 10:11-13.

God’s Amazing Grace

Come With Reverence, March 24

AG 91.5

“What doth the Lord thy God require of thee, but to fear the Lord thy God, to walk in all his ways, and to love him, and to serve the Lord thy God with all thy heart and with all thy soul?” (Deuteronomy 10:12).... “The eye of the Lord is upon them that fear him, upon them that hope in his mercy” (Psalm 33:18). “By humility and the fear of the Lord are riches, and honour, and life” (Proverbs 22:4).55The Review and Herald, November 30, 1905.

Manuscript Releases, vol. 15 [Nos. 1136-1185]

MR No. 1150—Speculation in Lands and Mines

15MR 69.3

If we are Christians at all, we must be Christians always, looking constantly to Jesus, practicing His lessons, doing His work. Then we are safe. Those who live the word of Christ, as well as hear it, will in due time reap that which they have sown. God’s Word, carefully and prayerfully studied, will keep all well-balanced. The Ruler of the nations has protested against man working out his own will, trampling on righteous principles and ignoring the wisdom of God. He declares, “He that maketh haste to be rich shall not be innocent” [Proverbs 28:20]. The books of heaven mark him as one guilty of fraud. “Nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy” [1 Timothy 6:17]. “By humility and the fear of the Lord are riches, and honor, and life” [Proverbs 22:4]. “Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have; for He hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee” [Hebrews 13:5].

Manuscript Releases, vol. 15 [Nos. 1136-1185]

A Warning Against Financial Speculation

15MR 74.2

The Ruler of the universe has protested against the greed of the natural heart, saying, “He that maketh haste to be rich shall not be innocent” [Proverbs 28:20]. God records them as guilty of fraud and transgression. “Nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy” [1 Timothy 6:17]. “Ye shall do no unrighteousness in judgment, in meteyard, in weight, or in measure” [Leviticus 19:35]. “By humility and the fear of the Lord are riches and honor and life” [Proverbs 22:4]. “Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for He hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee” [Hebrews 12:5]. “He that loveth silver shall not be satisfied with silver, not he that loveth abundance with increase” [Ecclesiastes 5:10]. He who says to gold, “Thou art my confidence” [Job 31:24], shall find himself “pierced through with many sorrows” [1 Timothy 6:10]. “What shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?” [Mark 8:36].

Manuscript Releases, vol. 17 [Nos. 1236-1300]

MR No. 1272—Bible Principles to Govern SDA Institutions; Conscience Accountable to God Alone; Unconverted Men Controlling Councils and Boards

17MR 231.4

The refuge of lies will fail. God will strike a blow to deliver His oppressed people. He will raise up humble men to do His will. He who rules among the nations calls upon those at the heart of the work to “be still, and know that I am God.” Men will find ere long that they cannot trample on God’s holy precepts without incurring the punishment. The Lord will not be slow to punish those who have had great light and yet have betrayed Him. His eye has been reading the transactions that have been stealing through the unconsecrated elements in councils and board meetings in our institutions. “Ye shall do no unrighteousness in judgment,” He says, “in meteyard, in weight, and in measure” [Leviticus 19:35]. “By humility and the fear of the Lord are riches, and honor, and life” [Proverbs 22:4]. “Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for He hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee” [Hebrews 13:5].

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 6 (1889-1890)

Ms 26, 1890

6LtMs, Ms 26, 1890, par. 6

If we are Christians at all, we must be Christians always, looking constantly to Jesus, practicing His lessons, doing His work. Then we are safe. Those who live the Word of Christ, as well as hear it, will in due time reap that which they have sown. God’s Word, carefully and prayerfully studied, will keep all well-balanced. The Ruler of the nations has protested against man working out his own will, trampling on righteous principles and ignoring the wisdom of God. He declares, “He that maketh haste to be rich shall not be innocent.” [Proverbs 28:20.] The books of heaven mark him as one guilty of fraud. “Trust not in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy.” [1 Timothy 6:17.] “By humility and the fear of the Lord are riches and honor and life.” [Proverbs 22:4.] “Let your conversation be without covetousness, and be content with such things as ye have; for he hath said, I will never leave thee nor forsake thee.” [Hebrews 13:5.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 6 (1889-1890)

Ms 26a, 1890

6LtMs, Ms 26a, 1890, par. 9

The Ruler of the universe has protested against the greed of the natural heart, saying, “He that hasteth to be rich shall not be innocent.” [Proverbs 28:20.] God records them as guilty of fraud and transgression. “Trust not in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy.” [1 Timothy 6:17.] “Ye shall do no unrighteousness in judgment, in meteyard, in weight, or in measure.” [Leviticus 19:35.] “By humility and the fear of the Lord are riches and honor and life.” [Proverbs 22:4.] “Let your conversation be without covetousness, and be content with such things as ye have; for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.” [Hebrews 13:5.] “He that loveth silver shall not be satisfied with silver, nor he that loveth abundance with increase.” [Ecclesiastes 5:10.] He who says to gold, “Be thou my confidence,” shall find himself “pierced through with many sorrows.” [Job 31:24; 1 Timothy 6:10.] “What shall it profit a man if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul.” [Mark 8:36.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 13 (1898)

Ms 66, 1898

13LtMs, Ms 66, 1898, par. 35

The refuge of lies will fail. God will strike a blow to deliver His oppressed people. He will raise up humble men to do His will. He who rules among the nations calls upon those at the heart of the work to “be still and know that I am God.” [Psalm 46:10.] Men will find erelong that they cannot trample on God’s holy precepts without incurring the punishment. The Lord will not be slow to punish those who have had great light and yet have betrayed Him. His eye has been reading the transactions that have been stealing through the unconsecrated elements in councils and board meetings in our institutions. “Ye shall do no unrighteousness in judgment,” He says, “in meteyard, in weight, and in measure.” [Leviticus 19:35.] “By humility and the fear of the Lord are riches and honor and life.” [Proverbs 22:4.] “Let your conversation be without covetousness, and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee nor forsake thee.” [Hebrews 13:5.]

Christian Education

Chapter 1—Proper Education

CE 5.2

There is a period for training children, and a time for educating youth. And it is essential that both of these be combined in a great degree in the schools. Children may be trained for the service of sin or for the service of righteousness. The early education of youth shapes their character in this life, and in their religious life. Solomon says: “Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.” [Proverbs 22:6.] This language is positive. The training which Solomon enjoins is to direct, educate, and develop. In order for parents and teachers to do this work, they must themselves understand the way the child should go. This embraces more than merely having a knowledge of books. It takes in everything that is good, virtuous, righteous, and holy. It comprehends the practice of temperance, godliness, brotherly kindness, and love to God, and to each other. In order to attain to this object, the physical, mental, moral, and religious education of children must have attention.

Reflecting Christ

Ministers to Be Faithful in Family Life, June 14

RC 179.1

Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it. Proverbs 22:6.

Special Testimonies On Education

Chapter 11—The Parable of the Growing Seed

SpTEd 71.2

The mind will never cease to be active. It is open to influences, good or bad. As the human countenance is stamped by the sunbeam on the polished plate of the artist, so are thoughts and impressions stamped on the mind of the child; and whether these impressions are of the earth earthy, or moral and religious, they are well-nigh ineffaceable. When reason is awakening, the mind is most susceptible; and so the very first lessons are of great importance. These lessons have a powerful influence on the formation of character. If they are of the right stamp, and if, as the child advances in years, they are followed up with patient perseverance, the earthly and eternal destinies will be shaped for good. This is the word of the Lord, “Train up a child in the way he should go; and when he is old, he will not depart from it.” Proverbs 22:6.

The Faith I Live By

An Ever-widening Circle, September 28

FLB 277.1

Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it. Proverbs 22:6.

The Upward Look

Religion in the Home, March 21

UL 94.1

Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it. Proverbs 22:6.

To Be Like Jesus

Commandment-keeping Families Glorify Christ, February 13

BLJ 52.1

Train children in the right way, and when old, they will not stray. Proverbs 22:6, NRSV.

Ye Shall Receive Power

Directing the Sanctification of the Family, May 10

YRP 139.1

Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it. Proverbs 22:6.

Home and Church School Manual

Chapter 2—Home Schools

PH140 13.1

“Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.”—Proverbs 22:6.

Testimony Treasures, vol. 1

Proper Education

1TT 315.2

There is a time for training children and a time for educating youth, and it is essential that in school both of these be combined in a great degree. Children may be trained for the service of sin or for the service of righteousness. The early education of youth shapes their characters both in their secular and in their religious life. Solomon says: “Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.” Proverbs 22:6. This language is positive. The training which Solomon enjoins is to direct, educate, and develop. In order for parents and teachers to do this work, they must themselves understand “the way” the child should go. This embraces more than merely having a knowledge of books. It takes in everything that is good, virtuous, righteous, and holy. It comprehends the practice of temperance, godliness, brotherly kindness, and love to God and to one another. In order to attain this object, the physical, mental, moral, and religious education of children must have attention.

Homeward Bound

Parents, It’s Up to You, September 15

HB 284.1

Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it.—Proverbs 22:6.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 11 (1896)

Ms 5, 1896

11LtMs, Ms 5, 1896, par. 7

Every child may receive the knowledge of God if parents will remember the solemn words which have been left on record for them, “Train up a child in the way he should go.” [Proverbs 22:6.] Do not leave the child to train himself, to form habits that are altogether contrary to the mind and will of Christ. Do not allow him to form habits of his own choosing, habits of selfishness, of passion, of idleness. If a child is allowed to have its own way, to choose its own employment, to love pleasure and games above everything else, the whole frame work of the mind is perverted.

Conflict and Courage

A Slave Mother, March 15

CC 80.1

Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old he will not depart from it. Proverbs 22:6.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 15 (1900)

Ms 43, 1900

15LtMs, Ms 43, 1900, par. 30

“Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it,” are the world of the wise Solomon. [Proverbs 22:6.] In the earliest years children may receive those principles which will determine their future life and destiny. The education and training of youth commences with the child in its mother’s arms. At this early age the temper and spirit of the child may be encouraged or repressed.

Counsels to Parents, Teachers, and Students

The Child’s First School

CT 108.1

Children may be trained for the service of sin or for the service of righteousness. Solomon says, “Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.” Proverbs 22:6. This language is positive. The training that Solomon enjoins is to direct, educate, develop. But in order for parents to do this work, they must themselves understand the “way” the child should go. It is impossible for parents to give their children proper training unless they first give themselves to God, learning of the Great Teacher lessons of obedience to His will.

Counsels to Parents, Teachers, and Students

The Garden of the Heart

CT 143.1

The mind will never cease to be active. It is open to influences, good or bad. As the human countenance is stamped by the sunbeam on the polished plate of the artist, so are thoughts and impressions stamped on the mind of the child; and whether these impressions are of the earth earthy, or moral and religious, they are well-nigh ineffaceable. When reason is awakening, the mind is most susceptible; and so the very first lessons are of great importance. These lessons have a powerful influence in the formation of character. If they are of the right stamp, and if, as the child advances in years, they are followed up with patient perseverance, the earthly and the eternal destiny will be shaped for good. This is the word of the Lord: “Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.” Proverbs 22:6.

Counsels to Parents, Teachers, and Students

Missionary Agencies

CT 161.2

“Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.” Proverbs 22:6. Children are sometimes tempted to chafe under restraint; but in afterlife they will bless their parents for the faithful care and strict watchfulness that guarded and guided them in their years of inexperience.

In Heavenly Places

The Home a School, July 21

HP 209.1

Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it. Proverbs 22:6.

Lift Him Up

Physical, Mental, and Spiritual Development, September 13

LHU 270.1

Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it. Proverbs 22:6.

Mind, Character, and Personality, vol. 1

Chapter 31—Problems of Youth

1MCP 293.4

When reason is awakening, the mind is most susceptible, and so the very first lessons are of great importance. These lessons have a powerful influence in the formation of character. If they are of the right stamp, and if, as the child advances in years, they are followed up with patient perseverance, the earthly and the eternal destiny will be shaped for good. This is the word of the Lord: “Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it” (Proverbs 22:6).—Special Testimonies On Education, 71, c1897. (Counsels to Parents, Teachers, and Students, 143.)

Our High Calling

Teach the Source of True Happiness, September 14

OHC 263.1

Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it. Proverbs 22:6.

Education

Chapter 15—Business Principles and Methods

Ed 135.2

“Seest thou a man diligent in his business? he shall stand before kings; he shall not stand before mean men.” Proverbs 22:29.

Ed 136.9

“The borrower is servant to the lender.” Proverbs 22:7.

Ed 136.11

“Remove not the old landmark; and enter not into the fields of the fatherless: for their Redeemer is mighty; He shall plead their cause with thee.” “He that oppresseth the poor to increase his riches, and he that giveth to the rich, shall surely come to want.” “Whoso diggeth a pit shall fall therein: and he that rolleth a stone, it will return upon him.” Proverbs 23:10, 11; 22:16; 26:27.

Education

Chapter 26—Methods of Teaching

Ed 237.5

“He that loveth pureness of heart, for the grace of his lips the King shall be his friend.” Proverbs 22:11.

Reflecting Christ

The Pure in Heart to Reflect Christ, December 30

RC 378.1

He who loves purity of heart, and whose speech is gracious, will have the king as his friend.—Proverbs 22:11, R.S.V.

RC 378.5

“He that loveth pureness of heart, for the grace of his lips the king shall be his friend” (Proverbs 22:11). By faith we behold Him here and now. In our daily experience we discern His goodness and compassion in the manifestation of His providence.... The pure in heart see God in a new and endearing relation, as their Redeemer; and while they discern the purity and loveliness of His character, they long to reflect His image. They see Him as a Father longing to embrace a repenting son, and their hearts are filled with joy unspeakable and full of glory.

Thoughts From the Mount of Blessing

“Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God.”—Matthew 5:8.

MB 26.3

“He that loveth pureness of heart, for the grace of his lips the King shall be his friend.” Proverbs 22:11. By faith we behold Him here and now. In our daily experience we discern His goodness and compassion in the manifestation of His providence. We recognize Him in the character of His Son. The Holy Spirit takes the truth concerning God and Him whom He hath sent, and opens it to the understanding and to the heart. The pure in heart see God in a new and endearing relation, as their Redeemer; and while they discern the purity and loveliness of His character, they long to reflect His image. They see Him as a Father longing to embrace a repenting son, and their hearts are filled with joy unspeakable and full of glory.

Counsels to Parents, Teachers, and Students

A Purer Fountain

CT 385.3

“Have I not written to thee excellent things
In counsels and knowledge,
That I might make thee know the certainty of the words of truth;
That thou mightest answer the words of truth to them that send unto thee?” Proverbs 22:17-21.

Manuscript Releases, vol. 17 [Nos. 1236-1300]

MR No. 1237—Testimony Concerning the Views of Prophecy Held by John Bell—Part II

17MR 11.3

This expresses something of the exercises we were passing through: “Bow down thine ear, and hear the words of the wise, and apply thine heart unto my knowledge. For it is a pleasant thing if thou keep them within thee; they shall withal be fitted in thy lips. That thy trust may be in the Lord, I have made known to thee this day, even to thee. Have not I written to thee excellent things in counsels and knowledge, that I might make thee know the certainty of the words of truth; that thou mightest answer the words of truth to them that send unto thee?” [Proverbs 22:17-21].

The Ministry of Healing

Myths and Fairy Tales

MH 448.2

“The blessing of the Lord, it maketh rich,
And He addeth no sorrow with it.” Proverbs 22:17-21; Psalm 78:5, 4, 6, 7; Proverbs 10:22.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 11 (1896)

Ms 32, 1896

11LtMs, Ms 32, 1896, par. 17

This scripture expresses something of the exercises we were passing through: “Bow down thine ear, and hear the words of the wise, and apply thine heart unto my knowledge. For it is a pleasant thing if thou keep them within thee; they shall withal be fitted in thy lips. That thy trust may be in the Lord, I have made known to thee this day, even to thee. Have not I written to thee excellent things in counsels and knowledge, that I might make thee know the certainty of the words of truth; that thou mightest answer the words of truth to them that send unto thee?” [Proverbs 22:17-21.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 8 (1893)

Lt 38, 1893

8LtMs, Lt 38, 1893, par. 2

I cannot hold my peace and see Brother Everson connecting himself with you, when I know that the result will be that he will fall into a snare. Listen to the words of Solomon, “Make no friendship with an angry man; and with a furious man thou shalt not go: lest thou learn his ways, and get a snare to thy soul.” [Proverbs 22:24, 25.] When circumstances conspire in a way that displeases you, you manifest a cruel, unjust spirit, and your words fall like desolating hail. You stir up strife. You do not even control your spirit when the wicked are before you. Can the Lord permit such uncontrollable elements to enter the portals of the blest? No! No! “He that hath no rule over his own spirit is like a city that is broken down and hath no walls.” “The hoary head is a crown of glory, if it be found in the way of righteousness. He that is slow to anger is better than the mighty: and he that ruleth his spirit than he that taketh a city.” [Proverbs 25:28; 16:31, 32.]

Counsels for the Church

Business Alliances With the World

CCh 85.3

I saw that God was displeased with His people for becoming surety for unbelievers. I was directed to these texts: Proverbs 22:26: “Be not thou one of them that strike hands, or of them that are sureties for debts.” Proverbs 11:15: “He that is surety for a stranger shall smart for it: and he that hateth suretyship is sure.” Unfaithful stewards! They pledge that which belongs to another,—their heavenly Father,—and Satan stands ready to aid his children to wrench it out of their hands. Sabbathkeepers should not be in partnership with unbelievers. God’s people trust too much to the words of strangers, and ask their advice and counsel when they should not. The enemy makes them his agents, and works through them to perplex and take from God’s people.100Testimonies for the Church 1:200, 201

Testimonies for the Church, vol. 1

Chapter 36—Surety for Unbelievers

1T 200.1

I saw that God was displeased with His people for becoming surety for unbelievers. I was directed to these texts: Proverbs 22:26: “Be not thou one of them that strike hands, or of them that are sureties for debts.” Proverbs 11:15: “He that is surety for a stranger shall smart for it: and he that hateth suretyship is sure.” Unfaithful stewards! They pledge that which belongs to another,—their heavenly Father,—and Satan stands ready to aid his children to wrench it out of their hands. Sabbathkeepers should not be in partnership with unbelievers. God’s people trust too much to the words of strangers, and ask their advice and counsel when they should not. The enemy makes them his agents, and works through them to perplex and take from God’s people.

Spiritual Gifts, vol. 4b

Surety, Oath-Taking, etc

4bSG 41.1

I saw that God was displeased with his people for being surety for unbelievers. I was directed to these texts. Proverbs 22:26. “Be not thou one of them that strike hands, or of them that are surety for debts.” Proverbs 11:15. “He that is surety for a stranger shall smart for it; and he that hateth suretyship is sure.” Unfaithful stewards! They pledge that which belongs to another—their heavenly Father—and Satan stands ready to aid his children to wrench it out of their hands.

Testimony Treasures, vol. 1

Surety for Unbelievers

1TT 71.1

I saw that God was displeased with His people for becoming surety for unbelievers. I was directed to these texts: (Proverbs 22:26): “Be not thou one of them that strike hands, or of them that are sureties for debts.” (Proverbs 11:15): “He that is surety for a stranger shall smart for it: and he that hateth suretyship is sure.” Unfaithful stewards! They pledge that which belongs to another,—their heavenly Father,—and Satan stands ready to aid his children to wrench it out of their hands. Sabbathkeepers should not be in partnership with unbelievers. God’s people trust too much to the words of strangers, and ask their advice and counsel when they should not. The enemy makes them his agents, and works through them to perplex and take from God’s people.

Testimony for the Church — No. 5

Testimony for the Church

T05 21.1

I saw that God was displeased with his people for being surety for unbelievers. I was directed to these texts. Proverbs 22:26. Be not thou one of them that strike hands, or of them that are sureties for debts. Proverbs 11:15. He that is surety for a stranger shall smart for it; and he that hateth suretyship is sure. Unfaithful stewards! They pledge that which belongs to another—their heavenly Father, and Satan stands ready to aid his children to wrench it out of their hands.

Conflict and Courage

Always the Same, March 12

CC 77.1

Seest thou a man diligent in his business? he shall stand before kings; he shall not stand before mean men. Proverbs 22:29.

The Upward Look

Practice Good Work Habits, May 12

UL 146.1

Seest thou a man diligent in his business? he shall stand before kings; he shall not stand before mean men. Proverbs 22:29.

This Day With God

Your Business Is God’s Business, September 29

TDG 281.1

Seest thou a man diligent in his business? he shall stand before kings; he shall not stand before mean men. Proverbs 22:29.

Testimony Treasures, vol. 2

Diligence in Business

2TT 45.1

“Seest thou a man diligent in his business? he shall stand before kings; he shall not stand before mean men.” Proverbs 22:29. “He becometh poor that dealeth with a slack hand: but the hand of the diligent maketh rich.” Proverbs 10:4. “Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honor preferring one another; not slothful in business; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord.” Romans 12:10, 11.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 4 (1883 - 1886)

Lt 18, 1884

4LtMs, Lt 18, 1884, par. 5

You have not been thorough and diligent to preserve what you already had. Diligence at the proper time will secure the best of results. “Seest thou a man diligent in his business? he shall stand before kings; he shall not stand before mean men.” Proverbs 22:29. Let not your mind drop into the mistake many make that in order to be a Christian you must neglect the duties that devolve on you to be done. Your religion requires that you should make the most of your opportunities for the comfort of your family as well as for the glory of God. Your slack habits God is not pleased with. If you carefully husband the moments, you will accomplish far more than you will by indulging yourself in a careless, indolent, spendthrift way at sometimes, and then hurried at other times—never getting ahead. It is right that we should have interest in religious things but this will not unfit us for diligent labor. Will you consider these things? You need to overcome slack and untidy habits. God is not pleased with these things. You are giving a stamp of character to your children in these things not pleasing to God. The Lord would have you orderly, neat and cleanly and teach these lessons to your children as a part of their education. A neglect of the commonest duties of life has made you many losses.