EGW WritingsProverbs 28

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 55—Heathen Plots

PK 660.1

“They that forsake the law praise the wicked.” Proverbs 28:4. When those who are uniting with the world, yet claiming great purity, plead for union with those who have ever been the opposers of the cause of truth, we should fear and shun them as decidedly as did Nehemiah. Such counsel is prompted by the enemy of all good. It is the speech of timeservers, and should be resisted as resolutely today as then. Whatever influence would tend to unsettle the faith of God’s people in His guiding power, should be steadfastly withstood.

From Splendor to Shadow

God’s Servant Sees Through the Plot

SS 342.3

“They that forsake the law praise the wicked.” Proverbs 28:4. When those who are uniting with the world plead for union with those who have ever been the opposers of the cause of truth, we should shun them as decidedly as did Nehemiah. Such counsel should be resisted resolutely. Whatever influence would tend to unsettle the faith of God’s people in His guiding power should be steadfastly withstood.

Patriarchs and Prophets

Chapter 57—The Ark Taken by the Philistines

PP 584.3

It was not enough that the ark and the sanctuary were in the midst of Israel. It was not enough that the priests offered sacrifices, and that the people were called the children of God. The Lord does not regard the request of those who cherish iniquity in the heart; it is written that “he that turneth away his ear from hearing the law, even his prayer shall be abomination.” Proverbs 28:9.

The Great Controversy

Chapter 25—God’s Law Immutable

GC 436.1

By the first angel, men are called upon to “fear God, and give glory to Him” and to worship Him as the Creator of the heavens and the earth. In order to do this, they must obey His law. Says the wise man: “Fear God, and keep His commandments: for this is the whole duty of man.” Ecclesiastes 12:13. Without obedience to His commandments no worship can be pleasing to God. “This is the love of God, that we keep His commandments.” “He that turneth away his ear from hearing the law, even his prayer shall be abomination.” 1 John 5:3; Proverbs 28:9.

The Great Controversy (1888 ed.)

Chapter 25—God’s Law Immutable

GC88 436.1

By the first angel, men are called upon to “fear God, and give glory to him,” and to worship him as the Creator of the heavens and the earth. In order to do this, they must obey his law. Says the wise man, “Fear God, and keep his commandments; for this is the whole duty of man.” [Ecclesiastes 12:13.] Without obedience to his commandments, no worship can be pleasing to God. “This is the love of God, that we keep his commandments.” “He that turneth away his ear from hearing the law, even his prayer shall be abomination.” [1 John 5:3; Proverbs 28:9.]

Living by Principle

Marriage

PH048 25.2

Proverbs 28:9: He that turneth away his ear from hearing the law, even his prayer shall be abomination.

The Watchman

October 10, 1905

SW October 10, 1905, par. 1

The first angel of Revelation 14 calls upon men to “fear God and give glory to him,” and to worship him as the Creator of the heavens and the earth. In order to do this, they must obey his law. The wise man says, “Fear God, and keep his commandments; for this is the whole duty of man.” Ecclesiastes 12:13. Without obedience to his commandments, no worship can be pleasing to God; for “this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments.” “He that turneth away his ear from hearing the law, even his prayer shall be abomination.” 1 John 5:3; Proverbs 28:9.

From Here to Forever

Chapter 25—God’s Law Immutable

HF 270.3

The first angel called upon men to “fear God, and give glory to him” and to worship Him as the Creator of heaven and earth. To do this, they must obey His law. Without obedience no worship can be pleasing to God. “This is the love of God, that we keep his commandments.” 1 John 5:3; See Proverbs 28:9.

The Three Angels’ Messages

“Fear God and give glory to Him”

3AM 55.1

By the first angel, men are called upon to “fear God, and give glory to Him” and to worship Him as the Creator of the heavens and the earth. In order to do this, they must obey His law. Says the wise man: “Fear God, and keep His commandments: for this is the whole duty of man.” Ecclesiastes 12:13. Without obedience to His commandments no worship can be pleasing to God. “This is the love of God, that we keep His commandments.” “He that turneth away his ear from hearing the law, even his prayer shall be abomination.” 1 John 5:3; Proverbs 28:9.—The Great Controversy, 436 (1888, 1911)

Conflict and Courage

Too Late! April 25

CC 121.1

He that covereth his sins shall not prosper: but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy. Proverbs 28:13.

The Spirit of Prophecy, vol. 4

Chapter 23—The Investigative Judgment

4SP 314.1

“He that covereth his sins shall not prosper; but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy.” [Proverbs 28:13.] If those who hide and excuse their faults could see how Satan exults over them how he taunts Christ and holy angels with them, they would make haste to confess their sins and to put them away. Satan is continually seeking to deceive the followers of Christ with his fatal sophistry that their defective traits of character render it impossible for them to overcome. But Jesus pleads in their behalf his wounded hands, his bruised body; and he declares to all who would follow him, “My grace is sufficient for thee.” “Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart, and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” [Matthew 11:29, 30.] Let none, then, regard their defects as incurable. God will give faith and grace to overcome them.

This Day With God

Getting Rid of Sin, May 5

TDG 134.1

He that covereth his sins shall not prosper: but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy. Proverbs 28:13.

From Trials to Triumph

Chapter 54—John, Faithful Witness for Christ

TT 290.1

“If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just, and will forgive our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” The Lord does not require us to do some grievous thing in order to gain forgiveness. We need not make long, wearisome pilgrimages or perform painful penances to expiate our transgression. He that “confesseth and forsaketh” his sin “shall have mercy.” Proverbs 28:13.

From Here to Forever

The Intercession of Christ

HF 301.5

“He that covereth his sins shall not prosper: but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy.” Proverbs 28:13. If those who excuse their faults could see how Satan taunts Christ with their course, they would confess their sins and put them away. Satan works to gain control of the whole mind, and he knows that if defects are cherished, he will succeed. Therefore he constantly seeks to deceive the followers of Christ with his fatal sophistry that it is impossible for them to overcome. But Jesus declared to all who would follow Him: “My grace is sufficient for thee.” “My yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” 2 Corinthians 12:9; Matthew 11:30. Let none regard their defects as incurable. God will give faith and grace to overcome.

Christ in His Sanctuary

Perfecting Holiness in the Fear of God

CIHS 186.3

“He that covereth his sins shall not prosper: but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy.” Proverbs 28:13. If those who hide and excuse their faults could see how Satan exults over them, how he taunts Christ and holy angels with their course, they would make haste to confess their sins and to put them away. Through defects in the character, Satan works to gain control of the whole mind, and he knows that if these defects are cherished, he will succeed. Therefore he is constantly seeking to deceive the followers of Christ with his fatal sophistry that it is impossible for them to overcome. But Jesus pleads in their behalf His wounded hands, His bruised body; and He declares to all who would follow Him: “My grace is sufficient for thee.” 2 Corinthians 12:9. “Take My yoke upon you, and learn of Me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For My yoke is easy, and My burden is light.” Matthew 11:29, 30. Let none, then, regard their defects as incurable. God will give faith and grace to overcome them.

Homeward Bound

The First Step in Acceptance, March 22

HB 99.1

He who covers his sins will not prosper, but whoever confesses and forsakes them will have mercy.—Proverbs 28:13.

Homeward Bound

Christ’s Intercession Essential, October 6

HB 307.3

“He that covereth his sins shall not prosper: but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy.” (Proverbs 28:13.) If those who hide and excuse their faults could see how Satan exults over them, how he taunts Christ and holy angels with their course, they would make haste to confess their sins and to put them away. Through defects in the character, Satan works to gain control of the whole mind, and he knows that if these defects are cherished, he will succeed. Therefore he is constantly seeking to deceive the followers of Christ with his fatal sophistry that it is impossible for them to overcome. But Jesus pleads in their behalf His wounded hands, His bruised body; and He declares to all who would follow Him: “My grace is sufficient for thee.” (2 Corinthians 12:9.) “Take My yoke upon you, and learn of Me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For My yoke is easy, and My burden is light.” (Matthew 11:29, 30.) Let none, then, regard their defects as incurable. God will give faith and grace to overcome them.

With God at Dawn

Confession Merits Mercy, August 3

WGD 217.1

He that covereth his sins shall not prosper: but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy. Proverbs 28:13.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 2 (1869 - 1875)

Lt 13, 1869

2LtMs, Lt 13, 1869, par. 27

Efforts have been made and in a few weeks the impressions have worn away. Every effort has let you down lower and in more dense darkness. “He that covereth his sins shall not prosper, but he that confesseth and forsaketh shall find mercy.” [Proverbs 28:13.] You have had all the evidence you will ever have that God has especially worked through us; yet your evil hearts of unbelief have not been subdued; you have not made an entire surrender. You have not yielded your sinful, criminal unbelief. Should a favorable opportunity arise for you to doubt and become jealous and take sides with the unconsecrated, you would be liable to be found our enemies, distrusting our work, doubting the testimonies of reproof, doubting the plain work we are called to do for God’s people in this perilous and adulterous age. What if we had manifested an unwillingness to meet you in your confessions, and had held you off? You would then have said we had a hard, unforgiving spirit. We have felt it a privilege to us to forgive; but as we have traveled from place to place, we have met your statements, your reports. Your influence has cursed and blighted the work in Battle Creek and like a poisonous venom it has been diffused through every branch of the work.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 5 (1887-1888)

Lt 16, 1888

5LtMs, Lt 16, 1888, par. 36

We see God looking down upon the church with displeasure because there are those who claim to be God’s representatives who have not in precept and example pointed to purity and holiness, but to earthliness and sensuality. Your sin stands charged against you in the books of heaven. We must labor in God to lead the people to the fountain of life. Your character is blotted and defiled by sin, and yet you have had messages sent from heaven to you which you have not heeded or appreciated. Now is your day; now is the time for you to humble your heart. Confess your sins. “He that covereth his sins shall not prosper: but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy.” Proverbs 28:13.

Lift Him Up

The Sanctuary in Heaven, November 11

LHU 329.5

“He that covereth his sins shall not prosper: but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy” (Proverbs 28:13). If those who hide and excuse their faults could see how Satan exults over them, how he taunts Christ and holy angels with their course, they would make haste to confess their sins and to put them away. Through defects in the character, Satan works to gain control of the whole mind, and he knows that if these defects are cherished, he will succeed. Therefore he is constantly seeking to deceive the followers of Christ with his fatal sophistry that it is impossible for them to overcome. But Jesus pleads in their behalf His wounded hands, His bruised body.... Let none, then, regard their defects as incurable. God will give faith and grace to overcome them (The Great Controversy, 488, 489).

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 5 (1887-1888)

Lt 23, 1888

5LtMs, Lt 23, 1888, par. 17

The Lord declares, “Whoso covereth his sins shall not prosper.” [Proverbs 28:13.] The all-seeing eye is upon each of us. Every secret thought and action are known to God. Darkness and night cannot hide them. If this thought does not lead you to arouse and to be watchful and faithful stewards to guard the younger members of the family of God entrusted to you, then I may have to press the matter more decidedly upon you, whether you will hear or whether you will forbear. Whatever position you may take, I must be faithful. Not one of your children is in Christ; not one of them is in the truth; not one of them is in a position to represent our faith. The relation you sustain to your children places you under the most solemn obligation, an obligation which is plainly enjoined in the Word of God. Parents may indulge their natural affection at the expense of God’s holy commandment, you may allow what God has forbidden, you may neglect what He has enjoined, but you must meet your work in the judgment. You are not only to remonstrate with your children, but you are to command them to keep the way of the Lord. You must wake up, for duty imperfectly understood will be imperfectly performed, and unless you heed the true Counselor and teach your children to walk in the ways of the Lord, when it is too late, you will see reason for great sorrow and realize your fatal mistake.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 5 (1887-1888)

Lt 48, 1887

5LtMs, Lt 48, 1887, par. 22

The very first evidence of amendment to God, and those whom your influence has burdened, is the acknowledgment of your sin. Why was not this confession made sooner? Why was not the conscience tortured because of sin? It is wonderful to see how sin, like its originator, gets possession of the soul and will hold it until ejected by a full confession. If this is not done, the heart becomes defiled. The sin is hidden in the breast where it is entertained. It hates the light and will not come into the light, lest its deeds shall be reproved; your soul is loath to render a verdict against sin. Your heart is so filled with justification of wrong that your tongue refuses to be brought where any verdict will be given against heart and hands that have worked unrighteousness. There is no one thing wherein our folly shows itself more than in these hurtful concealments. Contrary to the customs and practices of the world, God’s plans, God’s injunctions are: Confess, and live. “He that hides his sins shall not prosper, but he that confesseth and forsaketh them shall find mercy.” [Proverbs 28:13.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 6 (1889-1890)

Lt 23a, 1890

6LtMs, Lt 23a, 1890, par. 1

I have a few words to write to you. For some years your course has been open before me in connection with the family of Ira Abbey, but these are hidden chapters in the experience of you both, which may have been surmised by some, that have been binding you together in unholy companionship. I hear that you and your brother have been converted, and if this report is true, you will bring forth fruit for repentance. “He that covereth his sins shall not prosper.” [Proverbs 28:13.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 10 (1895)

Ms 6, 1895

10LtMs, Ms 6, 1895, par. 11

Precious light is shining in order that we each may become doers of the word of Christ, and may diffuse the light of truth to others. As you see the standard of what you ought to be set before you, review your past experience, and remember that “Whoso confesseth and forsaketh his sins, shall find rest.” [Proverbs 28:13.] “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” [1 John 1:9.] For Christ’s sake your sins may be forgiven, and may go beforehand to judgment to be “blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord.” [Acts 3:19.] But do not sleep now on the very brink of the eternal world. Obtain the experience where you shall hate the things which you once loved, and love that which you once hated; where you will count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ.

Manuscript Releases, vol. 21 [Nos. 1501-1598]

MR No. 1533—Counsel to an Immoral Administrator in an Adventist Institution

21MR 165.5

Your sin stands charged against you in the books of heaven. We must labor in God to lead the people to the fountain of life. Your character is blotted and defiled by sin, and yet you have had messages sent from heaven to you which you have not heeded or appreciated. Now is your day; now is the time for you to humble your heart. Confess your sins. “He that covereth his sins shall not prosper: but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy” [Proverbs 28:13].

Selected Messages Book 1

Chapter 49—Surrender and Confession

1SM 326.2

How mistaken are those who imagine that confession of sin will detract from their dignity, and lessen their influence among their fellow men. Clinging to this erroneous idea, though seeing their faults, many fail to confess them, but rather pass by the wrongs they have done others, so embittering their own lives, and shadowing the lives of others. It will not hurt your dignity to confess your sins. Away with this false dignity. Fall on the Rock and be broken, and Christ will give you the true and heavenly dignity. Let not pride, self-esteem, or self-righteousness keep anyone from confessing his sin, that he may claim the promise. “He that covereth his sins shall not prosper: but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy” (Proverbs 28:13). Keep nothing back from God, and neglect not the confession of your faults to your brethren. “Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed” (James 5:16). Many a sin is left unconfessed to confront the sinner in the day of final account; better far to confront your sins now, to confess them and put them away, while the atoning Sacrifice pleads in your behalf. Do not fail to learn the will of God on this subject. The health of your soul and the salvation of others depends upon the course you pursue in this matter. “Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time: casting all your care upon him: for he careth for you” (1 Peter 5:6, 7). The humble and broken heart can appreciate something of the love of God and the cross of Calvary. Ample will be the blessing experienced by him who meets the condition by which he may become a partaker of the favor of God.

Steps to Christ

Chapter 4—Confession

SC 37.1

“He that covereth his sins shall not prosper: but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy.” Proverbs 28:13.

The Acts of the Apostles

Chapter 54—A Faithful Witness

AA 552.1

“And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous: and He is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world.” “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” The conditions of obtaining mercy from God are simple and reasonable. The Lord does not require us to do some grievous thing in order to gain forgiveness. We need not make long and wearisome pilgrimages, or perform painful penances, to commend our souls to the God of heaven or to expiate our transgression. He that “confesseth and forsaketh” his sin “shall have mercy.” Proverbs 28:13.

The Faith I Live By

Appears in Heaven for Us, July 16

FLB 203.4

“He that covereth his sins shall not prosper: but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy.” Proverbs 28:13. If those who hide and excuse their faults could see how Satan exults over them, how he taunts Christ and holy angels with their course, they would make haste to confess their sins and to put them away. Through defects in the character, Satan works to gain control of the whole mind, and he knows that if these defects are cherished, he will succeed. Therefore he is constantly seeking to deceive the followers of Christ with his fatal sophistry that it is impossible for them to overcome. But Jesus pleads in their behalf His wounded hands, His bruised body; and He declares to all who would follow Him, “My grace is sufficient for thee.” 2 Corinthians 12:9.... Let none, then, regard their defects as incurable. God will give faith and grace to overcome them.38The Great Controversy, 488, 489.

The Great Controversy

Chapter 28—Facing Life’s Record

GC 489.2

“He that covereth his sins shall not prosper: but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy.” Proverbs 28:13. If those who hide and excuse their faults could see how Satan exults over them, how he taunts Christ and holy angels with their course, they would make haste to confess their sins and to put them away. Through defects in the character, Satan works to gain control of the whole mind, and he knows that if these defects are cherished, he will succeed. Therefore he is constantly seeking to deceive the followers of Christ with his fatal sophistry that it is impossible for them to overcome. But Jesus pleads in their behalf His wounded hands, His bruised body; and He declares to all who would follow Him: “My grace is sufficient for thee.” 2 Corinthians 12:9. “Take My yoke upon you, and learn of Me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For My yoke is easy, and My burden is light.” Matthew 11:29, 30. Let none, then, regard their defects as incurable. God will give faith and grace to overcome them.

The Great Controversy (1888 ed.)

Chapter 28—The Investigative Judgment

GC88 489.2

“He that covereth his sins shall not prosper; but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy.” [Proverbs 28:13.] If those who hide and excuse their faults could see how Satan exults over them, how he taunts Christ and holy angels with their course, they would make haste to confess their sins and to put them away. Through defects in the character, Satan works to gain control of the whole mind, and he knows that if these defects are cherished, he will succeed. Therefore he is constantly seeking to deceive the followers of Christ with his fatal sophistry that it is impossible for them to overcome. But Jesus pleads in their behalf his wounded hands, his bruised body; and he declares to all who would follow him, “My grace is sufficient for thee.” [2 Corinthians 12:9.] “Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart; and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” [Matthew 11:29, 30.] Let none, then, regard their defects as incurable. God will give faith and grace to overcome them.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 3 (1876 - 1882)

Lt 55, 1876

3LtMs, Lt 55, 1876, par. 4

No one would be more rejoiced to see you a thoroughly converted man than myself. I have waited, hoping and praying to see you feeling under conviction of sin. If, like Paul, you could from the heart say, “sin revived and I died” [Romans 7:9], there would be some hope for you; but as the case now stands there is nothing to build hopes upon. “He that covereth his sins shall not prosper: but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy. Happy is the man that feareth alway; but he that hardeneth his heart shall fall into mischief.” Proverbs 28:13, 14. “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” 1 John 1:9.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 5 (1887-1888)

Ms 11, 1888

5LtMs, Ms 11, 1888, par. 2

“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” [1 John 1:9.] “He that covereth his sins shall not prosper: but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy.” [Proverbs 28:13.] “Happy is the man that feareth always: but he that hardeneth his heart shall fall into mischief.” [Verse 14.] “Blessed is he whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered. Blessed is the man unto whom the Lord imputeth not iniquity, and in whose spirit there is no guile.” [Psalm 32:1, 2.] “I acknowledged my sin unto thee, and mine iniquities have I not hid. I said, I will confess my transgressions unto the Lord: and thou forgavest the iniquity of my sin.” [Verse 5.] It is not safe to do as did Saul—walk contrary to the Lord’s commandments and then say, “I have performed the commandment of the Lord” [1 Samuel 15:13], stubbornly refusing to confess the sin of disobedience. Saul’s stubbornness made his case hopeless. We see that others are following his example. The Lord sends words of reproof in mercy to save them, but they will not submit to be corrected. They insist that they have done no wrong, thus resisting the Spirit of God. The Lord declares through Samuel, “Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to hearken, than the fat of rams. For rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft, and stubbornness is as iniquity and idolatry. Because thou has rejected the word of the Lord, he hath also rejected thee from being king.” [Verses 22, 23.] The stubborn heart is thus presented in the case of Saul to warn every soul who is in danger of doing as he did.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 13 (1898)

Ms 166, 1898

13LtMs, Ms 166, 1898, par. 43

“He that covereth his sins shall not prosper; but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy. Happy is the man that feareth alway: but he that hardeneth his heart will fall into mischief.” [Proverbs 28:13, 14.] “Behold therefore the goodness and severity of God: on them which fell, severity; but toward thee, goodness, if thou continue in his goodness; otherwise thou shalt be cut off.” [Romans 11:22.]

Radiant Religion

He Who Fears God, January 6

RRe 8.1

Happy is the man that feareth alway: but he that hardeneth his heart shall fall into mischief. Proverbs 28:14.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 1 (1844 - 1868)

Lt 4, 1864

1LtMs, Lt 4, 1864, par. 11

Brethren had better be contended with a small income and handle that little prudently rather than run risks to better their condition and suffer continual losses thereby. I was referred to (Proverbs 28:19, 20): “He that tilleth his land shall have plenty of bread: but he that followeth after vain persons shall have poverty enough. A faithful man shall abound with blessings: but he that maketh haste to be rich shall not be innocent.” (Verse 22): “He that hasteth to be rich hath an evil eye, and considereth not that poverty shall come upon him.” (Proverbs 20:21): “An inheritance may be gotten hastily at the beginning; but the end thereof shall not be blessed.”

Education

Chapter 15—Business Principles and Methods

Ed 136.6

“He that maketh haste to be rich shall not be innocent.” Proverbs 28:20.

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].

With God at Dawn

Faithfulness Rewarded, March 21

WGD 82.1

A faithful man shall abound with blessings: but he that maketh haste to be rich shall not be innocent. Proverbs 28:20.

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.]

Gospel Workers (1892/1893 ed.)

Love Among Brethren

GW92 446.2

Self-love will prompt to a much better opinion of self than the word of God will warrant; for “the heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it?” [Jeremiah 17:9.] God’s word is the standard that we must all reach. It is unsafe to consult feeling or to trust to our own heart; the wise man declares, “He that trusteth in his own heart is a fool.” [Proverbs 28:26.]

Manuscript Releases, vol. 19 [Nos. 1360-1419]

MR No. 1367—Counsel Against Faultfinding, Ridiculing, Sneering at Women; Examine Yourself First

19MR 59.1

If you do not examine yourself searchingly in the light reflected from the cross of Christ revealed in His Word, self-love will prompt you to have a much better opinion of yourself than is either just, true, or safe. “The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked” (Jeremiah 17:9). “He that trusteth in his own heart is a fool” (Proverbs 28:26). And yet we are naturally inclined to this trust in the goodness of our desperately wicked hearts.

The Faith I Live By

The Device of Worldliness, November 3

FLB 313.2

Solomon says, “He that trusteth in his own heart is a fool” (Proverbs 28:26); and there are hundreds of such to be found among professors of godliness. Says the apostle: “We are not ignorant of his [Satan’s] devices.” Oh, what art, what skill, what cunning, is exercised to lead the professed followers of Christ to a union with the world by seeking for happiness in the amusements of the world, under the delusion that some good is to be gained! And thus the unguarded walk right into the net, flattering themselves that there is no evil in the way....

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 3 (1876 - 1882)

Lt 33, 1879

3LtMs, Lt 33, 1879, par. 12

If you do not examine yourself searchingly in the light reflected from the cross of Christ revealed in His Word, self-love will prompt you to have a much better opinion of yourself than is either just, true, or safe. “The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked.” Jeremiah 17:9. “He that trusteth in his own heart is a fool.” Proverbs 28:26. And yet we are naturally inclined to this trust in the goodness of our desperately wicked hearts.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 3 (1876 - 1882)

Ms 9, 1879

3LtMs, Ms 9, 1879, par. 10

If [Carlsbadt] had genuine modesty and unaffected diffidence and was willing to be instructed, he might do much good. “Days should speak, and multitude of years should teach wisdom.” Job 32:7. “He that trusteth in his own heart is a fool.” Proverbs 28:26. Solomon would here impress upon youth a constant dependence on the Word and providence of God. It is a hard matter for [Carlsbadt] to respect age because he has no respect for anyone but himself. He will not show deference to the opinions of hoary hairs and will reject the advice of old men.

The Ministry of Healing

“Give, and it shall be given unto you”

MH 208.3

“He that hideth his eyes shall have many a curse;” but “he that giveth unto the poor shall not lack.” Proverbs 28:27.