refined...

If you gathered up all the gold on earth that has ever been refined, it would fit in a cube measuring only 65.5 feet on each side.

Did you know that gold refining dates back almost to the beginning of recorded history? Of course, the chemical and electrolytic methods used in today’s refineries to separate gold from impurities are pretty complex compared to ancient methods. In one of the oldest processes, gold was crushed, ground to a powder, rinsed, mixed with a few simple ingredients—salt, bran, and lead—and heated in a crucible, or refining pot, for several days. The result was pure gold. Just as precious metals are tested by the refiner, our characters are tested by God. The Revised Version translates our verse this evening in this way: “The fining pot is for silver, and the furnace for gold, and a man is tried by his praise.” In other words, a person is tested by how he reacts to praise. 

Of course, people’s reactions vary, but a natural response to praise would be to feel a bit puffed up, somewhat proud. “Wow! I did okay, didn’t I? I must be pretty good! I am rather superior, aren’t I?” Someone once said, “Talent is God-given. Be humble. Fame is man given. Be grateful. Conceit is self-given. Be careful.” Good advice, don’t you think? 

Now, there’s nothing wrong with being happy and satisfied with a job well done. And there’s nothing wrong with accepting praise—as long as you don’t inflate yourself with it! Compliments are like perfume: to be sniffed but not swallowed. As Christians, we know that every good gift, every talent, every ability, every opportunity, and every success is a gift from God. 

Actually, there is a type of praise that we should crave—the praise that comes from God. The Bible tells us that when Jesus was on earth, many of the church leaders believed in Him but wouldn’t acknowledge their faith, “for they loved the praise of men more than the praise of God” John 12:43. They were proud. And pride—the source of the first sin—is one of the impurities that needs to be refined from our characters. So what is our reaction to praise? Do we swell inside with pride in ourselves, or do we acknowledge the goodness of God in making our success possible? Our response to this test tells volumes about the quality of our characters. 

"As the fining pot for silver, and the furnace for gold; so is a man to his praise." Proverbs 27:21

-doug batchelor