The crucible is used when testing, exposing and purifying silver just like the furnace is used to purify gold. The soul of a man can also be tested and exposed in order to reveal his flaws and purify his character. Isaiah 48:10 says man is tested in the fire of affliction:
“I have refined you, but not as silver; I have triedyou in the furnace of affliction.”
But, there are other ways to test and reveal a man’s heart. One of them is the praise he receives
from people as is found here in Proverbs 27:21. Just like affliction can try the soul of a man, so can praise and success.
1 Samuel 18:7 records the song of praise that tested the motives and attitudes of both King Saul
and David. A portion of the lyrics are recorded like this:
“And the women sang to one another as they celebrated,
‘Saul has struck down his thousands, and David his ten thousands.’ ”
The praise recorded in 1 Samuel 18:7 could just as easily have ruined David as it did Saul if David
was arrogant and seeking to overthrow Saul. Instead, the praise of 1 Samuel 18:7 merely made
David more committed to Saul and encouraged David to be more effective as a soldier and commander serving his country for the Lord.
The translation “praise he receives” in Proverbs 27:21 refers to a man’s public reputation and to
what people are saying about him.
The reference to a “man’s praise” may also refer to the things the man himself praises or holds
as important in life. What a man values can also reveal who he is just like his response to public praise can reveal his intentions. |
