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.

Matthew 11:28-30 - Come to Me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest

"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light."

Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.

"Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and YOU WILL FIND REST FOR YOUR SOULS. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light."

Matthew 11:28-30

Commentary

In order to truly come to Jesus, a person must admit that he is burdened with the weight of sin. Only those who acknowledge they are lost can be saved. The object of faith is not a church, a creed, or a clergyman, but the living Christ. Faith in the Lord Jesus Christ is preceded by repentance toward God.

MacDonald, W., & Farstad, A. (1997, c1995). Believer's Bible Commentary : Old and New Testaments (Mt 11:28). Nashville: Thomas Nelson.

Yoke

The yoke was a double harness in which two animals pulled together. Often, one harness was larger and meant for the stronger, more experienced animal, while the smaller was used for the animal being trained. The yoke of Jesus clearly implies that even though individuals are free from the Law, they are not to make their own rules. Rather, they are to be harnessed to Him, living life His way.

Thomas Nelson, I. (1997, c1995). Woman's study Bible . (Mt 11:28). Nashville: Thomas Nelson.