Reading Proverbs – 17:3 The Tested Heart

August 17th, 2009 by Steve

The crucible is for silver, and the furnace is for gold, and the Lord tests hearts. – Prov 17:3

(Similarly Prov 27:21: “The melting-pot is for silver and the cricuble for gold, but praise is a test of character.”) The meaning of this verse has to be fairly obvious, but it doesn’t make it any easier to accept: just as silver and gold are put into the furnace to melt them down into their essential elements – in order to both purify them and mold them – so the Lord tests hearts by burning away the dross to bring about purity.

1. Sometimes this testing is internal, coming in the form of conviction of sin:

The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise. – Ps 51:17

God isn’t impressed by the wealth we manage to create here on earth; He’s interested in spiritual growth, and that can only happen when we surrender to Him. The more we give ourselves over, the more He is honored; the more we empty ourselves of ‘self’ the fuller we get of Him.

2. Sometimes the testing is external, coming in the form of persecution:

Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. – James 1:2-3

The fight isn’t always an internal one. It will always be an uphill challenge to spread the Gospel, but not only is strength is promised if we persist, but personal improvement will also take place.

3. But in the end, “It’s not about you”:

… the twenty-four elders fall down before him who is seated on the throne and worship him who lives forever and ever. They cast their crowns before the throne, saying, “Worthy are you, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for you created all things, and by your will they existed and were created.” – Rev 4:10-11

All of the great works done on earth are accomplished through the wisdom and grace of God. If these 24 elders represent the highest of all humanity, the greatest desire of each is to honor God with his best – which he only gained in the first place because God tested him in the furnace.

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