Proverbs 17:3
The fining pot is for silver, and the furnace for gold: but the LORD trieth the hearts.
Original Language Analysis
לַ֭כֶּסֶף
is for silver
H3701
לַ֭כֶּסֶף
is for silver
Strong's:
H3701
Word #:
2 of 7
silver (from its pale color); by implication, money
לַזָּהָ֑ב
for gold
H2091
לַזָּהָ֑ב
for gold
Strong's:
H2091
Word #:
4 of 7
gold, figuratively, something gold-colored (i.e., yellow), as oil, a clear sky
Cross References
Isaiah 48:10Behold, I have refined thee, but not with silver; I have chosen thee in the furnace of affliction.Jeremiah 17:10I the LORD search the heart, I try the reins, even to give every man according to his ways, and according to the fruit of his doings.Psalms 26:2Examine me, O LORD, and prove me; try my reins and my heart.Proverbs 27:21As the fining pot for silver, and the furnace for gold; so is a man to his praise.1 Chronicles 29:17I know also, my God, that thou triest the heart, and hast pleasure in uprightness. As for me, in the uprightness of mine heart I have willingly offered all these things: and now have I seen with joy thy people, which are present here, to offer willingly unto thee.1 Peter 1:7That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ:Psalms 66:10For thou, O God, hast proved us: thou hast tried us, as silver is tried.Revelation 2:23And I will kill her children with death; and all the churches shall know that I am he which searcheth the reins and hearts: and I will give unto every one of you according to your works.Zechariah 13:9And I will bring the third part through the fire, and will refine them as silver is refined, and will try them as gold is tried: they shall call on my name, and I will hear them: I will say, It is my people: and they shall say, The LORD is my God.
Historical Context
Metallurgy was well-developed in ancient Near East. The refining process required skill to remove dross while preserving precious metal—a vivid picture of God's precise work in sanctification.
Questions for Reflection
- How have you experienced God's refining work through trials?
- What 'dross' is God currently burning away in your character?
Analysis & Commentary
As refiners test metals, the LORD tests hearts. The fining pot and furnace purify by removing impurities through heat—similarly, God's trials expose and remove sin from believers. This refining process, though painful, is evidence of God's love and commitment to our sanctification (1 Peter 1:6-7).