God's Fining Pot and Furnace
T. Horton, D. D. Proverbs 17:3 The fining pot is for silver, and the furnace for gold: but the LORD tries the hearts. The text is a parabolical description of God's almighty power and wisdom, for the discovery and reformation of the closest, and subtlest, and perfectest thing in the world, which is the heart of man. I. THE PROPOSITION. First part of the verse. The metals mentioned are silver and gold. The instruments are the fining pot and the furnace. Good men are like gold and silver in sundry regards. 1. From the solidity and substantialness of their principles. 2. From the purity and sincerity of their conversation. 3. From the splendour of their example.Their hearts are like gold and silver, but it is like gold and silver in the ore, which has a great deal of dross mixed with it, and must be separated from it by God's instruments of purification. The "fining pot" represents the Word of God, the "furnace" represents the rod of God, or affliction. The furnace is not for the hurt of the gold, but for its advantage. Labour to be bettered by every hand of God upon us, that so therein we may close with His gracious ends. II. THE REDDITION. "But the Lord trieth the hearts." This adversative particle hath a threefold emphasis in it. 1. An emphasis of proportion. Taking "but" for "so." The Lord is no less able or careful to try the hearts of the sons of men than the goldsmith is his silver and gold. God tries the heart either in a way of discovery or of purification. He tries them so as to discern them, and make known what they are. This kind of trial has two seasons, this present time and the world to come. He tries them to purge them, and remove their corruptions from them. This He does out of love to themselves, that He may make them vessels of honour. In reference to their works, that they may bring forth more fruit. For the sake of others. 2. An emphasis of exception. As restraining the skill of the refiner in this particular. He may be able to refine his metals, but he cannot try the heart. 3. An emphasis of appropriation. "The Lord trieth the hearts," i.e., the Lord alone does it. This is His prerogative. None other can try the heart thus authoritatively, and none can try it so effectually. (T. Horton, D. D.) Parallel Verses KJV: The fining pot is for silver, and the furnace for gold: but the LORD trieth the hearts. WEB: The refining pot is for silver, and the furnace for gold, but Yahweh tests the hearts.