EGW WritingsProverbs 23

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 11 (1896)

Lt 175, 1896

11LtMs, Lt 175, 1896, par. 3

“When thou sittest to eat with a ruler, consider diligently what is before thee; and put a knife to thy throat, if thou be a man given to appetite. Be not desirous of his dainties; for they are deceitful meat. Labor not to be rich; cease from thine own wisdom. Wilt thou set thine eyes upon that which is not? For riches certainly make themselves wings; and they fly away as an eagle toward heaven. Eat thou not the bread of him who hath an evil eye, neither desire thou his dainty meats; for as he thinketh in his heart, so is he; eat and drink, saith he to thee; for his heart is not with thee. The morsel which thou hast eaten shalt thou vomit up, and lose thy sweet words.” [Proverbs 23:1-8.]

11LtMs, Lt 175, 1896, par. 4

Eating the rich food generally placed upon the rich man’s table may gratify the taste, but there is danger that by so doing, the entire being will be perverted. “Hear thou, my son, and be wise, and guide thine heart in the way. Be not among wine bibbers; among riotous eaters of flesh: for the drunkard and the glutton shall come to poverty and drowsiness shall clothe a man with rags.” [Verses 19-21.] Here the drunkard, the indolent, and the glutton are classed together.

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.

Patriarchs and Prophets

Chapter 14—Destruction of Sodom

PP 168.2

Says the wise man, “Labor not to be rich: cease from thine own wisdom.” “He that is greedy of gain troubleth his own house; but he that hateth gifts shall live.” Proverbs 23:4; 15:27. And the apostle Paul declares, “They that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition.” 1 Timothy 6:9.

From Eternity Past

Another Sodom

EP 106.3

“Labor not to be rich; cease from thine own wisdom.” “He that is greedy of gain troubleth his own house.” “They that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition.” Proverbs 23:4; 15:27; 1 Timothy 6:9.

Education

Chapter 15—Business Principles and Methods

Ed 135.4

“The soul of the sluggard desireth, and hath nothing.” “The drunkard and the glutton shall come to poverty: and drowsiness shall clothe a man with rags.” Proverbs 13:4; 23:21.

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.

Ed 140.1

“Labor not to be rich.... Wilt thou set thine eyes upon that which is not? for riches certainly make themselves wings; they fly away as an eagle toward heaven.” Proverbs 23:4, 5.

Education

By Faith to Conquest

Ed 149.1

The truth that as a man “thinketh in his heart, so is he” (Proverbs 23:7), finds another illustration in Israel’s experience. On the borders of Canaan the spies, returned from searching the country, made their report. The beauty and fruitfulness of the land were lost sight of through fear of the difficulties in the way of its occupation. The cities walled up to heaven, the giant warriors, the iron chariots, daunted their faith. Leaving God out of the question, the multitude echoed the decision of the unbelieving spies, “We be not able to go up against the people; for they are stronger than we.” Numbers 13:31. Their words proved true. They were not able to go up, and they wore out their lives in the desert.

The Faith I Live By

Security Only in Right Thinking, August 4

FLB 222.2

As a man “thinketh in his heart, so is he.” Proverbs 23:7. Many thoughts make up the unwritten history of a single day; and these thoughts have much to do with the formation of character. Our thoughts are to be strictly guarded; for one impure thought makes a deep impression on the soul. An evil thought leaves an evil impress on the mind. If the thoughts are pure and holy, the man is better for having cherished them. By them the spiritual pulse is quickened, and the power for doing good is increased. And as one drop of rain prepares the way for another in moistening the earth, so one good thought prepares the way for another.14Messages to Young People, 144.

The Ministry of Healing

Forbearance Under Wrong

MH 491.3

We need a constant sense of the ennobling power of pure thoughts. The only security for any soul is right thinking. As a man “thinketh in his heart, so is he.” Proverbs 23:7. The power of self-restraint strengthens by exercise. That which at first seems difficult, by constant repetition grows easy, until right thoughts and actions become habitual. If we will we may turn away from all that is cheap and inferior, and rise to a high standard; we may be respected by men and beloved of God.

Thoughts From the Mount of Blessing

“Whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart.”—Matthew 5:28.

MB 60.1

When the thought of evil is loved and cherished, however secretly, said Jesus, it shows that sin still reigns in the heart. The soul is still in the gall of bitterness and in the bond of iniquity. He who finds pleasure in dwelling upon scenes of impurity, who indulges the evil thought, the lustful look, may behold in the open sin, with its burden of shame and heart-breaking grief, the true nature of the evil which he has hidden in the chambers of the soul. The season of temptation, under which, it may be, one falls into grievous sin, does not create the evil that is revealed, but only develops or makes manifest that which was hidden and latent in the heart. As a man “thinketh in his heart, so is he;” for out of the heart “are the issues of life.” Proverbs 23:7; 4:23.

Living by Principle

The Power of Influence

PH048 9.3

Proverbs 23:7: As he thinketh in his heart, so is he.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 11 (1896)

Lt 28, 1896

11LtMs, Lt 28, 1896, par. 16

The man who is willing and anxious to be educated in regard to the fulfillment of his duties, in fear and love of God as a moral accountable agent, will find a Helper who is higher and mightier than can be found in connection with any human companion. God is the presiding power to whom man is to look for his orders. “As a man thinketh, so is he.” “A tree is known by its fruit.” [Proverbs 23:7; Matthew 12:33.] Every man decides his own destiny. If he insists upon conditions of favor and remuneration which he supposes his services command, but which are out of proportion to the work performed, he is doing a wrong that will mold his spirit, and form a character that is unlike the character of Christ. The spirit of selfishness bears the rebuke of God. It is in opposition to the lessons we are to learn during our probationary time from our great teacher Jesus Christ, and is contrary to the spirit of the gospel.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 12 (1897)

Ms 3, 1897

12LtMs, Ms 3, 1897, par. 2

But the words of our Teacher to us were, “As a man thinketh, so is he.” [Proverbs 23:7.] The flesh of dead animals was not the original food for man. Man was permitted to eat it after the flood because all vegetation had been destroyed. But the curse pronounced upon man and the earth and every living thing has made strange and wonderful changes. Since the flood the human race has been shortening its period of existence. Physical, mental and moral degeneracy is rapidly increasing in these latter days.

12LtMs, Ms 3, 1897, par. 10

“As a man thinketh so is he.” [Proverbs 23:7.] If the appetite is allowed to rule, then the mind will be brought under its control. When the stomach is educated to discard that which will prove only an injury to it, the simplest kinds of food will satisfy its hunger.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 14 (1899)

Ms 107, 1899

14LtMs, Ms 107, 1899, par. 8

All hidden things are open before God. He measures outward acts by the motives which originated those acts. He reads the heart of the man whose motives were once pure and clean, but who parts with these principles to advance his selfish interests. The motives of such a man decide the character of his actions. The intellect takes its coloring and character from the ideas upon which the mind is encouraged to dwell. “As a man thinketh in his heart, so is he.” [Proverbs 23:7.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 15 (1900)

Lt 46, 1900

15LtMs, Lt 46, 1900, par. 10

Why do you make yourself so unhappy and miserable? The trouble with you, my brother, is your supreme confidence in yourself. You see something in your brethren that you interpret that is not giving you that deference and respect that you think you should have. You brood over these things, and, “As a man thinketh, so is he.” [See Proverbs 23:7.] These things you ponder over are realities to you, and yet are untrue. You place your fellow laborers in a vary unfavorable position. Anything that may happen to occur that you can interpret unfavorably, you place the worst construction upon it, and then brood over it.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 25 (1910 - 1915)

Lt 157, 1910

25LtMs, Lt 157, 1910, par. 3

I have a message for Elder Cottrell: My Brother Cottrell, I have had your case presented to me, and I am now prepared to speak. Your idea of human infallibility is the most spurious and the most dangerous and inexplainable to yourself and to others. “As a man thinketh, so is he.” [Proverbs 23:7.]

Help In Daily Living

Let Principle Guide

HDL 34.2

We need a constant sense of the ennobling power of pure thoughts. The only security for any soul is right thinking. As a man “thinketh in his heart, so is he.” Proverbs 23:7. The power of self-restraint strengthens by exercise. That which at first seems difficult, by constant repetition grows easy, until right thoughts and actions become habitual. If we will we may turn away from all that is cheap and inferior, and rise to a high standard; we may be respected by men and beloved of God.

Mind, Character, and Personality, vol. 1

Chapter 31—Problems of Youth

1MCP 285.1

Thoughts Become Habits—We need a constant sense of the ennobling power of pure thoughts. The only security for any soul is right thinking. As a man “thinketh in his heart, so is he” (Proverbs 23:7). The power of self-restraint strengthens by exercise. That which at first seems difficult, by constant repetition grows easy, until right thoughts and actions become habitual. If we will, we may turn away from all that is cheap and inferior and rise to a high standard; we may be respected by men and beloved of God.—The Ministry of Healing, 491 (1905).

Mind, Character, and Personality, vol. 2

Chapter 64—Habits

2MCP 601.4

Right Thoughts and Actions Can Become Habitual—The only security for any soul is in right thinking. As a man “thinketh in his heart, so is he” (Proverbs 23:7). The power of self-restraint strengthens by exercise. That which at first seems difficult, by constant repetition grows easy, and right thoughts and actions become habitual.—The Ministry of Healing, 491 (1905).

Mind, Character, and Personality, vol. 2

Chapter 66—Emotional Needs

2MCP 608.1

Security Founded on Right Thinking—We need a constant sense of the ennobling power of pure thoughts. The only security for any soul is right thinking. As a man “thinketh in his heart, so is he” (Proverbs 23:7). The power of self-restraint strengthens by exercise. That which at first seems difficult, by constant repetition grows easy, until right thoughts and actions become habitual. If we will we may turn away from all that is cheap and inferior and rise to a high standard; we may be respected by men and beloved of God.—The Ministry of Healing, 491 (1905).

Mind, Character, and Personality, vol. 2

Chapter 72—Thought Habits

2MCP 655.1

Thoughts Form Character—As a man “thinketh in his heart, so is he” (Proverbs 23:7). Many thoughts make up the unwritten history of a single day, and these thoughts have much to do with the formation of character. Our thoughts are to be strictly guarded, for one impure thought makes a deep impression on the soul. An evil thought leaves an evil impress on the mind. If the thoughts are pure and holy, the man is better for having cherished them. By them the spiritual pulse is quickened and the power for doing good is increased. And as one drop of rain prepares the way for another in moistening the earth, so one good thought prepares the way for another.—The Youth’s Instructor, January 17, 1901. (Messages to Young People, 144.)

2MCP 657.4

Overt Sin Manifests Latent Thoughts—The season of temptation, under which, it may be, one falls into grievous sin, does not create the evil that is revealed but only develops or makes manifest that which was hidden and latent in the heart. As a man “thinketh in his heart, so is he”; for out of the heart “are the issues of life” (Proverbs 23:7; 4:23).—Thoughts From the Mount of Blessing, 60 (1896).

Mind, Character, and Personality, vol. 2

Chapter 73—Right Thinking

2MCP 666.3

Right Thinking Only Security—The only security for any soul is right thinking. As a man “thinketh in his heart, so is he” (Proverbs 23:7). The power of self-restraint strengthens by exercise. That which at first seems difficult, by constant repetition grows easy, until right thoughts and actions become habitual. If we will, we may turn away from all that is cheap and inferior and rise to a high standard; we may be respected by men and beloved of God.—The Ministry of Healing, 491 (1905).

Patriarchs and Prophets

Chapter 41—Apostasy at the Jordan

PP 460.1

“Keep thy heart with all diligence,” is the counsel of the wise man; “for out of it are the issues of life.” Proverbs 4:23. As man “thinketh in his heart, so is he.” Proverbs 23:7. The heart must be renewed by divine grace, or it will be in vain to seek for purity of life. He who attempts to build up a noble, virtuous character independent of the grace of Christ is building his house upon the shifting sand. In the fierce storms of temptation it will surely be overthrown. David’s prayer should be the petition of every soul: “Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me.” Psalm 51:10. And having become partakers of the heavenly gift, we are to go on unto perfection, being “kept by the power of God through faith.” 1 Peter 1:5.

Radiant Religion

As Expression of Faith, January 28

RRe 30.1

Yea, my reins shall rejoice, when thy lips speak right things. Proverbs 23:16.

Living by Principle

Amusements

PH048 20.1

Proverbs 23:20, 21, 23: Be not among winebibbers; among riotous eaters of flesh; for the drunkard and the glutton shall come to poverty; and drowsiness shall clothe a man with rags.... Buy the truth, and sell it not; also wisdom, and instruction, and understanding.

Our High Calling

Truth a Precious Treasure, January 28

OHC 34.1

Buy the truth, and sell it not; also wisdom, and instruction, and understanding. Proverbs 23:23.

Radiant Religion

Children Are Reflectors of Their Parents, June 26

RRe 179.1

The father of the righteous shall greatly rejoice: and he that begetteth a wise child shall have joy of him. Thy father and thy mother shall be glad, and she that bare thee shall rejoice. Proverbs 23:24, 25.

Gospel Workers (1915 ed.)

Entering into the Feelings of the Youth

GW 209.2

Jesus calls to every wanderer, “My son, give Me thine heart.” [Proverbs 23:26.] “Return, ye backsliding children, and I will heal your backslidings.” [Jeremiah 3:22.] The youth cannot be truly happy without the love of Jesus. He is waiting with pitying tenderness to hear the confessions of the wayward, and to accept their penitence. He watches for some return of gratitude from them, as the mother watches for the smile of recognition from her beloved babe. The great God teaches us to call Him Father. He would have us understand how earnestly and tenderly His heart yearns over us in all our trials and temptations. “Like as a father pitieth his children, so the Lord pitieth them that fear Him.” [Psalm 103:13.] The mother might sooner forget her child than God could forget one soul that trusts Him.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 11 (1896)

Lt 135, 1896

11LtMs, Lt 135, 1896, par. 6

You are under obligation to God who has created you and Christ who has redeemed you by giving His own life. God has waited for you to give back the goods He has lent you in service to Him. His hand will help you if you will grasp it and acknowledge it and hold it fast. You might now know that He is ready to pardon your transgressions and sins. He is waiting to guide you in the path of virtue and righteousness. “My son,” He says, “give Me thine heart.” Proverbs 23:26. Repent of your sins and surrender to God your mind, your heart.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 12 (1897)

Ms 77, 1897

12LtMs, Ms 77, 1897, par. 5

If you do not follow Christ, you follow the leadings of another general, who is no less a personage than Satan. You are in his service, to do his will. He leads you every day. He puts vile songs in your mouth, and these you have sung, making your lips utter his praise. The only thing for you to do is to change leaders; for self-seeking is self-destruction. All the Lord asks of you is, “My Son, give me thy heart.” [Proverbs 23:26.] You must do this intelligently. The sacrifice of your whole heart means that, as faithful soldiers, you shall wear the regimentals provided for you by the great sacrifice of Jesus Christ, “a new heart will I give you.” [Ezekiel 36:26.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 12 (1897)

Lt 55, 1897

12LtMs, Lt 55, 1897, par. 40

Our soul, mind, and strength is lent us by God, and He desires us to reach to the highest standard of efficiency. It is our hearts only that God asks for. “My son, give me thine heart,” He says. [Proverbs 23:26.] When this becomes a consecrated temple for the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, nothing will be withheld from God. Then God promises, “A new heart also will I give thee.” [Ezekiel 36:26.] With this will come a sense of responsibility, a desire to keep the way of the Lord, and to do justice and judgment. “Ye are not your own, for ye are bought with a price; therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God’s.” [1 Corinthians 6:19, 20.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 13 (1898)

Ms 47, 1898

13LtMs, Ms 47, 1898, par. 27

Out of the heart are the issues of life. God’s message to us is, Let him take hold of My strength, and make peace with Me; and he shall make peace with Me. He says to each of us. My son, My daughter, give Me thine heart. [Proverbs 23:26.] Just as soon as we consecrate ourselves to God, light and love flows into the heart, and it becomes a treasure-house of knowledge.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 13 (1898)

Lt 97, 1898

13LtMs, Lt 97, 1898, par. 23

The Lord graciously accepts man’s co-operation. All we call our own comes first from Him, and is to be employed to His glory. He accepts an undivided heart service as the token of our loyalty to Him. He calls, “My son, give me thine heart.” [Proverbs 23:26.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 14 (1899)

Lt 69, 1899

14LtMs, Lt 69, 1899, par. 11

I would now address Dan and Andrew. The Lord says to each of you, “My son, give me thine heart.” [Proverbs 23:26.] The great object to be gained by you is the salvation of your souls. This you should ever keep in view. Vain hopes, vain theories, vain calculations, are now composing your character-building. Come to Jesus just as you are. This is the invitation Christ has given you. You must not suppose that you must have a special agonizing of souls, but you must repent of your sins. As you advance to Christ, He will advance to you. He sees your disorders. He knows that your soul is diseased by sin, and He would say to you, Young men, thy sins are forgiven thee. Whatever may have been your sins, Christ knows how to deal with them. Shall He be forced to say of these dear youth, Ye would not come to me, that ye might have life? The great Physician will save to the uttermost all who come unto Him. He understands what to do for you.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 14 (1899)

Ms 98, 1899

14LtMs, Ms 98, 1899, par. 12

Men and women need to understand that nothing they have is their own. “Ye are not your own,” says the apostle, “for ye are bought with a price; therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God’s.” [1 Corinthians 6:19, 20.] To withhold anything would not be for our interest or for God’s glory. The Lord will use all who will give themselves to be used by Him to His name’s glory. The Lord requires heart service. “My son,” He asks, “give me thine heart.” [Proverbs 23:26.] When the heart is given to God, the talents entrusted, our energy, our property, all we have and are, will be devoted to His service.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 14 (1899)

Lt 66, 1899

14LtMs, Lt 66, 1899, par. 19

“Ye are not your own; for ye are bought with a price.” [1 Corinthians 6:19, 20.] You and your wife have acted more like children than like souls bought with the precious blood of Christ. Christ says, My son, give me thine heart. [Proverbs 23:26.] I will lead thee, I will guide thee in safe paths. Will you now accept the rich blessings God waits to give you, before which all earthly objects, all ambitious projects, fade into nothingness? Man can receive no greater good than eternal blessedness in the kingdom of God. With Christ as an abiding Saviour, your joy will be full. Blessings you will have to give and by and by eternal riches to receive.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 15 (1900)

Ms 57, 1900

15LtMs, Ms 57, 1900, par. 9

He who studies and obeys the Word of God is like a man following a light which goes before him amid the moral darkness of this world. Christ’s righteousness goeth before him. Therefore the Lord says to every soul, “My son, give me thine heart.” [Proverbs 23:26.] “You have a work presented to you. Go labor in My vineyard. Occupy till I come.” [Matthew 21:28; Luke 19:13.] Here is presented our stewardship. We are to work for the Master.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 15 (1900)

Lt 71, 1900

15LtMs, Lt 71, 1900, par. 11

The Lord calls upon you, “My son, give me your heart.” [Proverbs 23:26.] How long before you will hear His call and obey? God help you to decide for life, eternal life. This is your work now. May the Lord bless you in your youth, and give you His sacred love, which will be to you more precious than gold.

My Life Today

I Give My Heart, January 3

ML 7.1

My son, give me thine heart, and let thine eyes observe my ways. Proverbs 23:26.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 15 (1900)

Ms 40, 1900

15LtMs, Ms 40, 1900, par. 6

God says, “My son, give me thine heart.” [Proverbs 23:26.] When this request is complied with, when self is surrendered to the service of God, the Lord accepts the expression of loyalty. But whether or not we give mind, soul, and strength to God, it all belongs to Him. He is the owner of every human being. He says, “My son, give me your zeal, your capabilities, your energy.” Our powers are ever to be employed to His glory. “Ye are not your own; for ye are bought with a price; therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are his.” [1 Corinthians 6:19, 20.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 15 (1900)

Ms 44, 1900

15LtMs, Ms 44, 1900, par. 2

There should be twenty men where there is now one to take advantage of circumstances, [men] who will never look down but up, up to the rainbow above the throne, which is ever repeating, “Mercy and truth have met together, righteousness and peace have kissed each other.” [Psalm 85:10.] Lift up your hearts! Lift up your heads! Then lift up the hands that hang down! All are to be lifted up together, and to be kept uplifted. The heart must see and sense that “God is, and that he is a rewarder of all who diligently seek him.” [Hebrews 11:6.] “Out of the heart are the issues of life.” [Proverbs 4:23.] God’s message to each of us is, “My son, give me thine heart.” [Proverbs 23:26.] That heart is Mine. I have given My life for it. Then open the heart to the divine Spirit and you will appreciate the value of the human soul.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 15 (1900)

Lt 80, 1900

15LtMs, Lt 80, 1900, par. 18

I entreat you, my brother, to obey the will of God. “Seek ye the Lord while he may be found; call ye upon him while he is nigh,” while He is saying to you, “My son, give me thine heart,” “Let the wicked forsake his way,” and no longer live in transgression of the law, but in love and obedience, “and the unrighteous man his thoughts, and let him return unto the Lord, and he will have mercy upon him, and to our God; for he will abundantly pardon.” [Isaiah 55:6, 7; Proverbs 23:26.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 15 (1900)

Ms 56, 1900

15LtMs, Ms 56, 1900, par. 8

Let the souls who come to Christ consider that He is the Sin-bearer, “wounded for our transgressions, bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed.” [Isaiah 53:5.] “Himself took our infirmities, and bare our sicknesses.” [Matthew 8:17.] All this is done for the sinner, and as the sinner comes to Christ, helpless, penitent, and humble; as he views the expensive expiation made in his behalf, let the repenting soul lay hold by faith of the provision made to save him, not in his sin, but from his sin. Christ the Sin-bearer must take away the sin and rescue the sinner from his morbid spiritual condition. As he asks for a change of heart, the answer comes, “My son, give me thine heart.” [Proverbs 23:26.] “A new heart will I give thee.” [Ezekiel 36:26.] I will restore you to a pure, holy atmosphere, that you, being dead to sin, may live unto righteousness.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 16 (1901)

Lt 52, 1901

16LtMs, Lt 52, 1901, par. 1

I have much concern of mind in your case. I have received your letters and am sincerely glad to hear from you. I know that God will bless you if you will put away the idea that outward display gives influence. God says, “My son, give me thine heart.” [Proverbs 23:26.] If you will do this, the Lord will accept it, and will cleanse it from the evil of pride. He says, “A new heart will I give you.” [Ezekiel 36:26.] When you have this new heart, you will reveal the wisdom of God, not the wisdom of the world.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 16 (1901)

Ms 173, 1901

16LtMs, Ms 173, 1901, par. 16

God says, “My son, give me thy heart, thy time, thy talents.” [See Proverbs 23:26.] He wants no unbelief, no stinginess. He wants you to give Him the firstfruits of the life—love, faith, strength. Reveal that faith which works by love and purifies the soul. Cease to live for self. Live wholly for God. Give Him the best hours of the day and the best energies of the being. If, laying down every selfish aim and interest, God’s people would give Him the best of all they have, if they would seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, they would rise higher and higher in Christian nobility and liberality.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 17 (1902)

Lt 180, 1902

17LtMs, Lt 180, 1902, par. 17

God asks for the improvement of your talents. He asks for your service and for the service of your children. He calls, “My son, give Me thine heart.” [Proverbs 23:26.] How can you refuse to give Him what He asks? “Ye are not your own; for ye are bought with a price; therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God’s.” [1 Corinthians 6:19, 20.] If you refuse to do this, you will be accounted unthankful and disobedient.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 17 (1902)

Lt 29, 1902

17LtMs, Lt 29, 1902, par. 15

It is in the heart that this work is to begin. The reason for this is that out of the heart are the issues of life. Then open the door of the heart to the sunshine of heaven, the bright rays of the Sun of Righteousness. God’s message to each of us is, “My son, my daughter, give Me thine heart.” [Proverbs 23:26.] Are we willing to do this? When once the Holy Spirit is received, it becomes the very wellspring of life, and it is this in us that responds to the call of God.

Our Father Cares

I Give My Heart, February 1

OFC 43.1

My son, give me thine heart, and let thine eyes observe my ways. Proverbs 23:26.

Our High Calling

Calling All Youth! January 8

OHC 14.2

Jesus calls to every wanderer, “My son, give me thine heart.” Proverbs 23:26.... The youth cannot be happy without the love of Jesus. He is waiting with pitying tenderness to hear the confessions of the wayward, and to accept their penitence. He watches for some return of gratitude from us, as the mother watches for the smile of recognition from her beloved child. The great God teaches us to call Him Father. He would have us understand how earnestly and tenderly His heart yearns over us in all our trials and temptations....

Sons and Daughters of God

Our Heart the Most Precious Offering, April 1

SD 98.1

My son [my daughter], give me thine heart, and let thine eyes observe my ways. Proverbs 23:26.

That I May Know Him

Have You Enrolled? February 22

TMK 59.1

My son, give me thine heart, and let thine eyes observe my ways. Proverbs 23:26.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 3 (1876 - 1882)

Lt 26, 1879

3LtMs, Lt 26, 1879, par. 5

Do not, I entreat of you, be hindered by Satan’s suggestions. He will tell you you have no feeling. Why should you expect feeling when you have not, on your part, taken the steps required to fulfil the conditions? Jesus is saying, “Give Me thine heart.” [Proverbs 23:26.] Have you done this? Jesus has purchased you by an infinite price. You are not your own. Your powers are not your own. You belong to God. You are His property, “therefore glorify God in your body and spirit which are God’s.” [1 Corinthians 6:20.] You help and strengthen each other in your impenitence. Now both move together. Cease to be careless, cease to be indifferent.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 4 (1883 - 1886)

Ms 79, 1886

4LtMs, Ms 79, 1886, par. 19

Jesus invites the youth to come to Him just as they are. He says, “My son, give Me thy heart.” [Proverbs 23:26.] The precious Saviour will take and wash away our stains in His own blood and fit us for the mansions in glory. Many seem to think that Jesus is a great way off, but our Saviour is very nigh to those who call upon His name. If our heavenly Father made so great a sacrifice as to give His dearly beloved Son that fallen man might be saved, what will He not do for those who will come to Him? How much more will He not with Him freely give us all things? He hears the prayer of the contrite and repentant soul.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 11 (1896)

Lt 73, 1896

11LtMs, Lt 73, 1896, par. 29

This means those who have not received instruction, but have cherished their own wisdom, have chosen to work themselves according to their own ideas. The Lord gives these the test, that they shall either take their position to follow His counsel, or refuse and do according to their own ideas, and then the Lord will leave them to the sure result. In all our ways, in all our service to God, He speaks to us, “Give me thine heart.” [Proverbs 23:26.] It is the submissive, teachable spirit that God wants. That which gives to prayer its excellence is the fact that it is breathed from a loving, obedient heart. God requires certain things of His people. If they say, I will not give up my heart to do this thing, the Lord lets them go on in their supposed wise judgment without heavenly wisdom until this Scripture is fulfilled.

Counsels for the Church

Intoxicating Wine

CCh 102.4

“Wine is a mocker, strong drink is raging:
And whosoever is deceived thereby is not wise.”
“Who hath woe? who hath sorrow? who hath contentions?
who hath babbling? who hath wounds without cause?
Who hath redness of eyes?
They that tarry long at the wine;
They that go to seek mixed wine.
Look not thou upon the wine when it is red,
When it giveth his color in the cup,
When it moveth itself aright.
At the last it biteth like a serpent,
And stingeth like an adder.” —Proverbs 20:1; Proverbs 23:29-32.

CCh 102.5

Never was traced by human hand a more vivid picture of the debasement and the slavery of the victim of intoxicating drink. Enthralled, degraded, even when awakened to a sense of his misery, he has no power to break from the snare; he “will seek it yet again.” Proverbs 23:35.

The Ministry of Healing

Intoxicating Drinks

MH 330.2

“Wine is a mocker, strong drink is raging:
And whosoever is deceived thereby is not wise.”
“Who hath woe? who hath sorrow? who hath contentions?
who hath babbling? who hath wounds
without cause?
Who hath redness of eyes?
They that tarry long at the wine;
They that go to seek mixed wine.
Look not thou upon the wine when it is red,
When it giveth his color in the cup,
When it moveth itself aright.
At the last it biteth like a serpent,
And stingeth like an adder.” Proverbs 20:1; 23:29-32.

MH 330.3

Never was traced by human hand a more vivid picture of the debasement and the slavery of the victim of intoxicating drink. Enthralled, degraded, even when awakened to a sense of his misery, he has no power to break from the snare; he “will seek it yet again.” Verse 35.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 2 (1869 - 1875)

Lt 21a, 1871

2LtMs, Lt 21a, 1871, par. 4

Is not this worldly-loving spirit at such a sacrifice a greater exhibition of insanity than even that shown by the drunkard? God had warned the lover of strong drink. He has told him the influence and result of gratifying the appetite. “Wine is a mocker, strong drink is raging; and whosoever is deceived thereby is not wise.” Proverbs 20:1. “Who hath woe? who hath sorrow? who hath contentions? who hath babbling? who hath wounds without cause? who hath redness of eyes? They that tarry long at the wine; they that go to seek mixed wine. Look not thou upon the wine when it is red, when it giveth his color in the cup, when it moveth itself aright. At the last it biteth like a serpent, and stingeth like an adder. Thine eyes shall behold strange women, and thine heart shall utter perverse things. Yea, thou shalt be as he that lieth down in the midst of the sea, or as he that lieth upon the top of a mast. They have stricken me, shalt thou say, and I was not sick; they have beaten me, and I felt it not: when shall I awake? I will seek it yet again.” Proverbs 23:29-35.

Homeward Bound

The Highway to Drunkenness, July 27

HB 232.1

Do not look on the wine when it is red, when it sparkles in the cup, when it swirls around smoothly; at the last it bites like a serpent.—Proverbs 23:31, 32.

The Story of Jesus

Chapter 9—Early Ministry

SJ 53.3

The wine which Jesus made was not fermented liquor. Such wine is a cause of drunkenness and many great evils, and God had forbidden its use. He says, “Wine is a mocker, strong drink is raging: and whosoever is deceived thereby is not wise.” “It biteth like a serpent, and stingeth like an adder.” Proverbs 20:1; 23:32.