Refining the Gold
T. L. Cuyler, D. D. Job 28:1 Surely there is a vein for the silver, and a place for gold where they fine it.… "There is a place for the gold where they fine it." This line from the Book of Job — so strong in its monosyllables — describes a spiritual as well as a chemical process. Over and over again in the Bible godly character is described by the happy simile of gold. It would be easy to run out the points of resemblance. All nations, from the polished to the savage, have agreed in regarding it the most beautiful of metals. It typifies the "beauty of holiness." It is an imperishable metal. When they opened the tomb of an old Etrurian king, buried twenty-five centuries ago, they found only a heap of royal dust. The only object that remained untouched by time was a fillet of gold which bound the monarch's brow. So doth true godliness survive the havoc of time and the ravages of the grave. Gold is the basis of a solvent currency; and genuine fear of God is the basis of all the virtues which pass current among humanity. The essence of all piety is obedience to God. It is the eternal law of right put into daily practice. Too much is said in these days about the aesthetics of religion and its sensibilities. Religion's home is in the conscience. Its watchword is the word "ought." Its highest joy is in doing God's will. (T. L. Cuyler, D. D.) Parallel Verses KJV: Surely there is a vein for the silver, and a place for gold where they fine it. WEB: "Surely there is a mine for silver, and a place for gold which they refine.