EGW WritingsProverbs 31

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.

To Be Like Jesus

Public Service Demands Strict Integrity, June 14

BLJ 177.1

It is not for kings to drink wine, nor for princes intoxicating drink; lest they drink and forget the law, and pervert the justice of all the afflicted. Proverbs 31:4, 5, NKJV.

Homeward Bound

Think Twice Before Marrying, September 10

HB 279.1

Who can find a virtuous wife? For her worth is far above rubies.—Proverbs 31:10.

The Faith I Live By

Far Above Rubies, September 7

FLB 256.1

Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price is far above rubies. The heart of her husband doth safely trust in her, so that he shall have no need of spoil. Proverbs 31:10, 11.

FLB 256.8

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

Letters to Young Lovers

What a Young Man Should Look for in a Wife

LYL 20.2

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

The Ministry of Healing

Chapter 29—The Builders of the Home

MH 359.4

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

To Be Like Jesus

Well-regulated Work Aids All-around Development, August 8

BLJ 234.5

Let them read of “the sons of the prophets” (2 Kings 6:1-7), students at school, who were building a house for themselves, and for whom a miracle was wrought to save from loss the ax that was borrowed. Let them read of Jesus the carpenter, and Paul the tentmaker, who with the toil of the craftsman linked the highest ministry, human and divine. Let them read of the lad whose five loaves were used by the Savior in that wonderful miracle for the feeding of the multitude; of Dorcas the seamstress, called back from death, that she might continue to make garments for the poor; of the wise woman described in the Proverbs, who “seeketh wool, and flax, and worketh willingly with her hands”; who “looketh well to the ways of her household, and eateth not the bread of idleness” (Proverbs 31:13, 27).—Education, 215-217.

Education

Chapter 24—Manual Training

Ed 217.1

Let the children and youth learn from the Bible how God has honored the work of the everyday toiler. Let them read of “the sons of the prophets” (2 Kings 6:1-7), students at school, who were building a house for themselves, and for whom a miracle was wrought to save from loss the ax that was borrowed. Let them read of Jesus the carpenter, and Paul the tentmaker, who with the toil of the craftsman linked the highest ministry, human and divine. Let them read of the lad whose five loaves were used by the Saviour in that wonderful miracle for the feeding of the multitude; of Dorcas the seamstress, called back from death, that she might continue to make garments for the poor; of the wise woman described in the Proverbs, who “seeketh wool and flax, and worketh willingly with her hands;” who “giveth meat to her household, and their task to her maidens;” who “planteth a vineyard,” and strengtheneth her arms;” who “stretcheth out her hand to the poor; yea, ... reacheth forth her hands to the needy;” who “looketh well to the ways of her household, and eateth not the bread of idleness.” Proverbs 31:13, 15, R.V.; 31:16, 17, 20, 27.

Ed 217.2

Of such a one, God says: “She shall be praised. Give her of the fruit of her hands; and let her own works praise her in the gates.” Proverbs 31:30, 31.

Child Guidance

Chapter 66—Teaching the Fundamental Principles of Dress

CG 420.3

Consider Durability and Service—Our clothing, while modest and simple, should be of good quality, of becoming colors, and suited for service. It should be chosen for durability rather than display. It should provide warmth and proper protection. The wise woman described in the Proverbs “is not afraid of the snow for her household: for all her household are clothed with double garments.” [Proverbs 31:21, margin.]9The Ministry of Healing, 288.

Counsels to Parents, Teachers, and Students

Some Principles of Healthful Dressing

CT 302.4

But our clothing, while modest and simple, should be of good quality, of becoming colors, and suited for service. It should be chosen for durability rather than display. It should provide warmth and proper protection. The wise woman described in the Proverbs “is not afraid of the snow for her household: for all her household are clothed with double garments.” Proverbs 31:21, margin.

Messages to Young People

Quality and Taste

MYP 351.4

But our clothing, while modest and simple, should be of good quality, of becoming colors, and suited for service. It should be chosen for durability rather than display. It should provide warmth and proper protection. The wise woman described in the Proverbs “is not afraid of the snow for her household: for all her household are clothed with double garments.” Proverbs 31:21, margin.

My Life Today

Appropriate Attire, May 21

ML 145.1

She is not afraid of the snow for her household: for all her household are clothed with scarlet [double garments, margin]. Proverbs 31:21.

The Ministry of Healing

Chapter 22—Dress

MH 288.1

But our clothing, while modest and simple, should be of good quality, of becoming colors, and suited for service. It should be chosen for durability rather than display. It should provide warmth and proper protection. The wise woman described in the Proverbs “is not afraid of the snow for her household: for all her household are clothed with double garments.” Proverbs 31:21, margin.

Ye Shall Receive Power

Outward Neatness, March 24

YRP 92.1

She is not afraid of the snow for her household: for all her household are clothed with scarlet. She maketh herself coverings of tapestry; her clothing is silk and purple. Proverbs 31:21, 22.

Radiant Religion

The Faithful Mother Is a Blessing, June 25

RRe 178.2

Her children arise up, and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praiseth her. Proverbs 31:25, 28.

My Life Today

Kindness the Mark of a Christian, June 23

ML 178.1

She openeth her mouth with wisdom; and in her tongue is the law of kindness. Proverbs 31:26.

Reflecting Christ

Family United by Bonds of Love, June 24

RC 189.1

She openeth her mouth with wisdom; and in her tongue is the law of kindness. Proverbs 31:26.

Ye Shall Receive Power

Kindness, March 13

YRP 81.1

She openeth her mouth with wisdom; and in her tongue is the law of kindness. Proverbs 31:26.

My Life Today

Children Love Mother’s Companionship, July 12

ML 197.1

Her children arise up, and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praiseth her. Proverbs 31:28.

Reflecting Christ

Christ, the Wife and Mother’s Strength, June 8

RC 173.1

Her children arise up, and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praiseth her. Proverbs 31:28.

Homeward Bound

The Mother, September 12

HB 281.1

Her children rise up and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her.—Proverbs 31:28.

Conflict and Courage

A Mismatched Pair, June 11

CC 168.1

Favour is deceitful, and beauty is vain: but a woman that feareth the Lord, she shall be praised. Proverbs 31:30.