31:1Isaiah 31:1

Woe rests on those who go down to Egypt for help and stay on horses and trust in many chariots and in very strong horsemen, instead of looking to the Holy One of Israel and seeking the Lord.Lt 263, 1903, par. 31–32+1 Going down to Egypt is consulting idolaters for help instead of trusting in God.Ms 131, 1899, par. 17–21+1 It is also copying the ways of the world.Ms 131, 1899, par. 17–21

It lays bare an evil heart of unbelief that departs from the living God by refusing Him confidence and refusing to surrender the soul to His keeping.Lt 263, 1903, par. 31–32 Human help is a broken reed that pierces the hand of whoever leans on it, and turning from Christ to erring human beings leaves His people lacking in spiritual power.Lt 25, 1902, par. 39–40 That course ends in certain destruction when God rises to punish the inhabitants of the earth for their iniquity.Lt 263, 1903, par. 31–32

In a time of great importance the call is to return to the living God and place entire dependence on Him.Lt 25, 1902, par. 39–40 Those who in trouble honor God with a full conscience receive according to their faith and are filled with peace through repentance and forgiveness of sins.Lt 263, 1903, par. 31–32 Those who trust in Him will receive skill and understanding and wisdom and will not make mistakes.Lt 25, 1902, par. 39–40

In the making and selling of books this forbids seeking success by worldly helps such as spending large sums of money on abundant and multitudinous illustrations, expensive covers, and gilded leaves to make sales easier, and calls for simplifying the work.Ms 131, 1899, par. 17–21+1 In book making it forbids striving for supremacy and following worldly reasoning about outward display.Ms 131, 1899, par. 17–21 Costly outward appearance does not give a book its value or secure its sale; the truth contained in it makes the impression on mind and heart, and God gives success and blessing and needed help to earnest, painstaking labor and to canvassers and publishers.Ms 131, 1899, par. 17–21+1