EGW WritingsProverbs 27

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.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 7 (1891-1892)

Lt 9, 1892

7LtMs, Lt 9, 1892, par. 87

“Let another man praise thee, and not thine own mouth; a stranger, and not thine own lips.” [Proverbs 27:2.] “Be of the same mind one toward another. Mind not high things, but condescend to men of low estate. Be not wise in your own conceits.” [Romans 12:16.] See 1 Peter 5:5-9; Romans 15:1-7. Will you, dear children, consider these plain instructions? Will you strive to overcome hereditary and cultivated faults of character in yourselves? Will you draw nigh to your brethren, respect them, love them, cultivating confidence rather than suspicion?

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 16 (1901)

Lt 95, 1901

16LtMs, Lt 95, 1901, par. 18

You need to see yourself as you are. You need thorough conversion, a new life. You need to boast far less of your own capabilities. “Let another man praise thee, ... and not thine own lips.” [Proverbs 27:2.] You are in danger of losing your soul. Your self-esteem is not wholesome to yourself or to your family. O that you were a humble Christian! O that there could be seen in you the fruit borne by a good tree!

Conflict and Courage

The Most Satanic Trait, April 9

CC 105.1

Wrath is cruel, and anger is outrageous; but who is able to stand before envy? Proverbs 27:4.

Patriarchs and Prophets

Chapter 33—From Sinai to Kadesh

PP 385.1

This manifestation of the Lord’s displeasure was designed to be a warning to all Israel, to check the growing spirit of discontent and insubordination. If Miriam’s envy and dissatisfaction had not been signally rebuked, it would have resulted in great evil. Envy is one of the most satanic traits that can exist in the human heart, and it is one of the most baleful in its effects. Says the wise man, “Wrath is cruel, and anger is outrageous; but who is able to stand before envy?” Proverbs 27:4. It was envy that first caused discord in heaven, and its indulgence has wrought untold evil among men. “Where envying and strife is, there is confusion and every evil work.” James 3:16.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 12 (1897)

Ms 40, 1897

12LtMs, Ms 40, 1897, par. 14

Why did the rulers of the people do this? Because of envy and jealousy. Prejudice is ever blind, unreasonable, vindictive, and cruel. Under its maddening draught people are insane. “Wrath is cruel, and anger is outrageous, but who is able to stand before envy?” [Proverbs 27:4.]

Our High Calling

A Friend to the Friendless, September 10

OHC 259.1

Ointment and perfume rejoice the heart: so doth the sweetness of a man’s friend by hearty counsel. Proverbs 27:9.

Sons and Daughters of God

Counsel of a True Friend Rejoices the Heart, June 3

SD 161.1

Ointment and perfume rejoice the heart: so doth the sweetness of a man’s friend by hearty counsel. Proverbs 27:9.

Radiant Religion

In Words of Kindness, June 19

RRe 172.1

Ointment and perfume rejoice the heart: so doth the sweetness of a man’s friend by hearty counsel. Proverbs 27:9.

Education

Chapter 24—Manual Training

Ed 219.1

As a relaxation from study, occupations pursued in the open air, and affording exercise for the whole body, are the most beneficial. No line of manual training is of more value than agriculture. A greater effort should be made to create and to encourage an interest in agricultural pursuits. Let the teacher call attention to what the Bible says about agriculture: that it was God’s plan for man to till the earth; that the first man, the ruler of the whole world, was given a garden to cultivate; and that many of the world’s greatest men, its real nobility, have been tillers of the soil. Show the opportunities in such a life. The wise man says, “The king himself is served by the field.” Ecclesiastes 5:9. Of him who cultivates the soil the Bible declares, “His God doth instruct him to discretion, and doth teach him.” Isaiah 28:26. And again, “Whoso keepeth the fig tree shall eat the fruit thereof.” Proverbs 27:18. He who earns his livelihood by agriculture escapes many temptations and enjoys unnumbered privileges and blessings denied to those whose work lies in the great cities. And in these days of mammoth trusts and business competition, there are few who enjoy so real an independence and so great certainty of fair return for their labor as does the tiller of the soil.

Living by Principle

The Power of Influence

PH048 8.3

Proverbs 27:19: As in water face answereth to face, so the heart of man to man.