Proverbs 17:3
Translations
King James Version (KJV)
The fining pot is for silver, and the furnace for gold: but the LORD tries the hearts.
American King James Version (AKJV)
The fining pot is for silver, and the furnace for gold: but the LORD tries the hearts.
American Standard Version (ASV)
The refining pot is for silver, and the furnace for gold; But Jehovah trieth the hearts.
Basic English Translation (BBE)
The heating-pot is for silver and the oven-fire for gold, but the Lord is the tester of hearts.
Webster's Revision
The fining-pot is for silver, and the furnace for gold: but the LORD trieth the hearts.
World English Bible
The refining pot is for silver, and the furnace for gold, but Yahweh tests the hearts.
English Revised Version (ERV)
The fining pot is for silver, and the furnace for gold: but the LORD trieth the hearts.
Definitions for Proverbs 17:3
Clarke's Proverbs 17:3 Bible Commentary
The fining pot is for silver - When silver is mixed, or suspected to be mixed, with base metal, it must be subjected to such a test as the cupel to purify it. And gold also must be purified by the action of the fire. So God tries hearts. He sends afflictions which penetrate the soul, and give a man to see his state, so that he may apply to the spirit of judgment and the spirit of burning, to destroy what cannot stand the fire, to separate and burn up all the dross.
Barnes's Proverbs 17:3 Bible Commentary
Wonderful as is the separation of the pure metal from the dross with which it has mingled, there is something yet more wonderful in the divine discipline which purifies the good that lies hid, like a grain of gold, even in rough and common natures, and frees it from all admixture of evil. Compare Malachi 3:2; 1 Peter 1:7.
