John 12:24-25 (NKJV)  “Most assuredly, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the ground and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it produces much grain. He who loves his life will lose it, and he who hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal life.”

The life spent on self is like the grain that is eaten. It disappears, but there is no increase. A man may gather all he can for self; he may live and think and plan for self; but his life passes away, and he has nothing. The law of self-serving is the law of self-destruction. (DA p 624 E.G. White).
New King James Version (NKJV

The Desire of Ages, Page 624  Read More Ellen G. White Writings

The Remnant Study Bible