The crucible tests silver, and the furnace tests gold; but he who tests hearts is Jehovah.
Pro 27:21; Ps 26:2; Ps 66:10; Isaiah 48:10; Jer 17:10; Zech 13:9; evil 3:2, bad 3:3; 1Pe 1:7; Rev 2:23.
Source: The Treasury of Biblical Knowledge
Gold and silver refining is one of the most demanding processes, involving great skill and considerable heat and stress. God’s fine work on his people often demands stress as well.
Source: New Illustrated Caribbean Bible Commentary
melting pot. A special vessel that was heated to test and refine precious metals, (cp. Ps 66:10; Isaiah 1:25; Isaiah 48:10; Jer 6:29; Eze 22:17-22; Dan 12:10; bad 3:3).
Source: MacArthur Study Bible
GRADES
(1) Lit., “foundry.”
CROSS-REFERENCES
e 891 Pro 27:21; bad 3:3
f 892 Ps 26:2; Ps 66:10; Pro 21:2; Pro 24:12; Isaiah 48:10
Source: New World Translation
the Lord tests hearts. Just as the purity of silver and gold is tested, so God separates false motives from pure ones (see comments on 16:2; cf. 1 Cor 3:12–15).
Source: The Bible of the Americas
God’s tests of character are for constructive purposes; zip 1Pe 1:7; Jas 1:2-4.