Proverbs 17:3 The fining pot is for silver, and the furnace for gold: but the LORD tries the hearts.
‘The fining pot is for silver, and the furnace for gold: but the LORD tries the hearts.’ Just as the crucible refines silver and the furnace purifies gold, so the Lord tests and proves the hearts of men (Jer. 17:10). The heat of fire reveals the purity of precious metals; likewise, the trials ordained by God expose the faith, motives, and character of the soul. The testing is not to destroy, but to refine, to separate the dross from the true.
Scripture gives us many witnesses to this refining work: Abraham, tested in obedience when called to offer his beloved son (Gen. 22:1-24). Israel, was tested in the wilderness, that their hearts might be known and humbled (Deut. 8:2). Hezekiah, was tested when God withdrew to reveal what was in his heart (2 Chr. 32:31). Mary and Martha, were tested by delay, though loved deeply by Jesus (John 11:5-6). The rich young ruler was tested in surrender, but he walked away sorrowfully (Matt. 19:16-22). The Syrophoenician woman was tested in perseverance and faith and rewarded richly (Matt. 15:23-28).
Therefore, count it all joy when you fall into diverse trials, knowing that the trying of your faith works patience (Jas. 1:2-4). The Lord, who tries the hearts, does so as a master refiner, never to harm, but always to purify and prove what is eternal.
Living the Word 