Proverbs 17:3 - The LORD tests the heart

The crucible for silver and the furnace for gold, but the LORD tests the heart.

The fining pot is for silver, and the furnace for gold: but the LORD trieth the hearts.

The refining pot is for silver and the furnace for gold, But the LORD tests hearts.

Proverbs 17:3

Commentary

A refining pot (or crucible) is a vessel used in the production of silver (Prov. 17:3; 27:21) and to refine is to separate pure metal from the impurities in the ore in the smelting process.

God can do what no crucible or furnace can do. They can test silve rand gold but the Lord can test the human heart. In the process of testing, He removes the dross and purifies the life until He sees His own image reflected.

MacDonald, W., & Farstad, A. (1997, c1995). Believer's Bible Commentary : Old and New Testaments (Pr 17:3). Nashville: Thomas Nelson.