Proverbs 27:21
As the fining pot for silver, and the furnace for gold; so is a man to his praise.
Original Language Analysis
לַ֭כֶּסֶף
for silver
H3701
לַ֭כֶּסֶף
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
וְ֝אִ֗ישׁ
so is a man
H376
וְ֝אִ֗ישׁ
so is a man
Strong's:
H376
Word #:
5 of 7
a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)
Cross References
Proverbs 17:3The fining pot is for silver, and the furnace for gold: but the LORD trieth the hearts.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.Psalms 66:10For thou, O God, hast proved us: thou hast tried us, as silver is tried.Malachi 3:3And he shall sit as a refiner and purifier of silver: and he shall purify the sons of Levi, and purge them as gold and silver, that they may offer unto the LORD an offering in righteousness.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:
Historical Context
Ancient metalworking required intense heat (over 1000°C for gold) to separate precious metal from impurities. Refiners watched the molten metal until they could see their reflection in its surface—a picture of God's refining work continuing until He sees His image in us (2 Corinthians 3:18).
Questions for Reflection
- How do you respond when praised—with pride, deflection to God, or awkward dismissal?
- What does your reaction to recognition reveal about your identity and security?
- Can you identify ways God has used both adversity and success to refine your character?
Analysis & Commentary
As the fining pot for silver, and the furnace for gold (מַצְרֵף לַכֶּסֶף וְכוּר לַזָּהָב, matzeref lakkesef ve'khur lazahav)—the מַצְרֵף (matzeref, 'crucible, refining pot') and כּוּר (kur, 'furnace') test metal purity by extreme heat, burning away dross. Malachi 3:2-3 uses this imagery for God's refining work.
So is a man to his praise (וְאִיש לְפִי מְהַלְלוֹ, ve'ish lefi mehallelo)—how a man handles תְּהִלָּה (tehillah, 'praise, commendation') reveals his character. Does praise produce humility or arrogance? Gratitude or entitlement? The test of success often proves harder than the test of adversity. Herod accepted worship and was struck down (Acts 12:21-23); David deflected glory to God (2 Samuel 7:18-29).