Joseph Mekael Page

Proverbs Daily Reflection: Proverbs 17:3

“The fining pot is for silver, and the furnace for gold: but the Lord trieth the hearts.” (KJV)

Cross-Reference:
“Fire tests the purity of silver and gold, but the Lord tests the heart.” (NLT)
“The crucible for silver and the furnace for gold, but the Lord tests the heart.” (NIV)

Reflection:

The Lord tests us with a spiritual fire. Silver and gold are purified in intense heat to remove their impurities. Unfortunately, many fail this refining process, clinging to impurities that are obvious and rampant in the world today.

The only perspective that matters is God’s perspective, found in the Bible. In Romans, Yahweh gives us a clear warning about the spiritual impurities He detests:

Romans 1:29-32 (NLT):
“Their lives became full of every kind of wickedness, sin, greed, hate, envy, murder, quarreling, deception, malicious behavior, and gossip. They are backstabbers, haters of God, insolent, proud, and boastful. They invent new ways of sinning, and they disobey their parents. They refuse to understand, break their promises, are heartless, and have no mercy. They know God’s justice requires that those who do these things deserve to die, yet they do them anyway. Worse yet, they encourage others to do them, too.”

In America and beyond, when a man or woman changes from wickedness to righteousness, they often receive praise. Even the unholy often acknowledge this transformation. This confirms that the path of holiness and enlightenment in Christ is the right way to go. However, the most important reward is not earthly praise but eternal life.

You receive eternal life by acknowledging Jesus Christ and giving Him your heart. The impurities of this world are listed in Romans. They will cost you eternal life if you do not turn away. Allow the fire of the Lord to refine and purify you.

Prayer:

“Lord, I acknowledge my impurities and understand that they are wickedness before the Holy God, Yahweh. They cannot, and will not stand. I do not want to take the chance of losing eternal life! Help me, Lord! Don’t let me slip away. I want You, Lord. I want to dwell in Your Holy presence, Lord! Purify me!”

Final Thoughts:

God’s refining fire is not to destroy but to purify and perfect. Silver and gold are made more precious through fire. Similarly, our hearts are purified when we surrender to the Lord’s refining process.

Give your heart to Jesus today. Let Him remove what is impure and unholy. Eternal life awaits those who are refined in His fire.