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so <i>is</i> a man to his praise.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/proverbs/27.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />The refining pot <i>is</i> for silver and the furnace for gold, And a man <i>is valued</i> by what others say of him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/proverbs/27.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />The crucible is for silver and the furnace for gold, And each <i>is tested</i> by the praise accorded him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/proverbs/27.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />The crucible is for silver and the furnace for gold, And each is tested by the praise accorded him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/proverbs/27.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />The crucible is for silver and the furnace for gold, And a man <i>is tested</i> by the praise accorded him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/proverbs/27.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />The refining pot is for silver and the furnace for gold, And each <i>is tested</i> by the mouth that praises him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/proverbs/27.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />The refining pot is for silver and the furnace for gold [to separate the impurities of the metal], And each is tested by the praise given to him [and his response to it, whether humble or proud].<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/proverbs/27.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />As a crucible refines silver, and a smelter refines gold, so a person should refine his praise.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/proverbs/27.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />A crucible for silver, and a smelter for gold, and a man for the words of his praise. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/proverbs/27.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />The refining pot is for silver, and the furnace for gold; And a man is tried by his praise.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/proverbs/27.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />Gold and silver are tested in a red-hot furnace, but we are tested by praise. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/proverbs/27.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />The fining pot is for silver, and the furnace for gold, and a man is tried by his praise.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/proverbs/27.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />The crucible is for refining silver and the smelter for gold, but a person [is tested] by the praise given to him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/proverbs/27.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />Fire tests gold and silver; a person's reputation can also be tested. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/proverbs/27.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />As the crucible tests silver, and the furnace assays gold; so praise received tests a man.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/proverbs/27.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />As the crucible is for silver and the furnace is for gold, so a person is proved by the praise he receives. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/proverbs/27.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />The crucible is for silver, and the furnace for gold; but man is refined by his praise.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/proverbs/27.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />As the fining-pot for silver, and the furnace for gold; so is a man to his praise.<div class="vheading2"><b>Majority Text Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/proverbs/27.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />A crucible for silver and a furnace for gold, but a man is tested by the praise accorded him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/proverbs/27.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />The crucible is for silver, and the furnace for gold; but man is refined by his praise. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/proverbs/27.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />A refining pot [is] for silver, and a furnace for gold, "" And a man according to his praise.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/proverbs/27.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> A refining pot is for silver, and a furnace for gold, And a man according to his praise.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/proverbs/27.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />The crucible for silver, and the furnace for gold, and a man to the mouth praising him.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/proverbs/27.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />As silver is tried in the fining-pot and gold in the furnace: so a man is tried by the mouth of him that praiseth. The heart of the wicked seeketh after evils, but the righteous heart seeketh after knowledge. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/proverbs/27.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />In the manner of silver being tested in the refinery, and gold in the furnace, so also is a man tested by the mouth of one who praises. The heart of the iniquitous inquires after evils, but the heart of the righteous inquires after knowledge.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/proverbs/27.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />The crucible for silver, the furnace for gold, so you must assay the praise you receive. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/proverbs/27.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />The crucible is for silver, and the furnace is for gold, so a person is tested by being praised.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/proverbs/27.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />As the refining pot is for silver, and the furnace for gold, so is a man tested by the mouth of those who praise him. The heart of the wicked desires evil, and the heart of the pious desires knowledge.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/proverbs/27.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />A refining pot proves silver, and a furnace: gold, so is a man proven by the mouth of his praisers. The heart of the evil seeks evil, and the heart of the pure seeks knowledge.<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/proverbs/27.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />The refining pot is for silver, and the furnace for gold, And a man is tried by his praise.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/proverbs/27.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />Fire is the trial for silver and gold; and a man is tried by the mouth of them that praise him. The heart of the transgressor seeks after mischiefs; but an upright heart seeks knowledge.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/proverbs/27-21.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/kpUA5ZltBeQ?start=5634" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/proverbs/27.htm">Do not Boast about Tomorrow</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">20</span>Sheol and Abaddon are never satisfied; so the eyes of man are never satisfied. <span class="reftext">21</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/4715.htm" title="4715: maṣ·rêp̄ (N-ms) -- A crucible. From tsaraph; a crucible.">A crucible</a> <a href="/hebrew/3701.htm" title="3701: lak·ke·sep̄ (Prep-l, Art:: N-ms) -- Silver, money. From kacaph; silver; by implication, money.">for silver</a> <a href="/hebrew/3564.htm" title="3564: wə·ḵūr (Conj-w:: N-ms) -- Smelting pot or furnace. From an unused root meaning properly, to dig through; a pot or furnace.">and a furnace</a> <a href="/hebrew/2091.htm" title="2091: laz·zā·hāḇ (Prep-l, Art:: N-ms) -- Gold. From an unused root meaning to shimmer; gold, figuratively, something gold-colored, as oil, a clear sky.">for gold,</a> <a href="/hebrew/376.htm" title="376: wə·’îš (Conj-w:: N-ms) -- Man. Contracted for 'enowsh; a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term.">but a man is tested</a> <a href="/hebrew/4110.htm" title="4110: ma·hă·lā·lōw (N-msc:: 3ms) -- Praise. From halal; fame.">by the praise</a> <a href="/hebrew/6310.htm" title="6310: lə·p̄î (Prep-l:: N-msc) -- Mouth. From pa'ah; the mouth, whether literal or figurative; specifically edge, portion or side; adverbially according to.">accorded him.</a> </span><span class="reftext">22</span>Though you grind a fool like grain with mortar and a pestle, yet his folly will not depart from him.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/james/1-12.htm">James 1:12</a></span><br />Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love Him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_peter/1-7.htm">1 Peter 1:7</a></span><br />so that the proven character of your faith—more precious than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire—may result in praise, glory, and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/malachi/3-3.htm">Malachi 3:3</a></span><br />And He will sit as a refiner and purifier of silver; He will purify the sons of Levi and refine them like gold and silver. Then they will present offerings to the LORD in righteousness.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_corinthians/3-13.htm">1 Corinthians 3:13</a></span><br />his workmanship will be evident, because the Day will bring it to light. It will be revealed with fire, and the fire will prove the quality of each man’s work.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/zechariah/13-9.htm">Zechariah 13:9</a></span><br />This third I will bring through the fire; I will refine them like silver and test them like gold. They will call on My name, and I will answer them. I will say, ‘They are My people,’ and they will say, ‘The LORD is our God.’”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/66-10.htm">Psalm 66:10</a></span><br />For You, O God, have tested us; You have refined us like silver.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/job/23-10.htm">Job 23:10</a></span><br />Yet He knows the way I have taken; when He has tested me, I will come forth as gold.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_corinthians/4-5.htm">1 Corinthians 4:5</a></span><br />Therefore judge nothing before the appointed time; wait until the Lord comes. He will bring to light what is hidden in darkness and will expose the motives of men’s hearts. At that time each will receive his praise from God.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/romans/2-7.htm">Romans 2:7</a></span><br />To those who by perseverance in doing good seek glory, honor, and immortality, He will give eternal life.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_timothy/2-21.htm">2 Timothy 2:21</a></span><br />So if anyone cleanses himself of what is unfit, he will be a vessel for honor: sanctified, useful to the Master, and prepared for every good work.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/revelation/3-18.htm">Revelation 3:18</a></span><br />I counsel you to buy from Me gold refined by fire so that you may become rich, white garments so that you may be clothed and your shameful nakedness not exposed, and salve to anoint your eyes so that you may see.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/48-10.htm">Isaiah 48:10</a></span><br />See, I have refined you, but not as silver; I have tested you in the furnace of affliction.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/jeremiah/9-7.htm">Jeremiah 9:7</a></span><br />Therefore this is what the LORD of Hosts says: “Behold, I will refine them and test them, for what else can I do because of the daughter of My people?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/daniel/12-10.htm">Daniel 12:10</a></span><br />Many will be purified, made spotless, and refined, but the wicked will continue to act wickedly. None of the wicked will understand, but the wise will understand.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_thessalonians/2-4.htm">1 Thessalonians 2:4</a></span><br />Instead, we speak as those approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel, not in order to please men but God, who examines our hearts.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">As the fining pot for silver, and the furnace for gold; so is a man to his praise.</p><p class="hdg">the fining</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/proverbs/17-3.htm">Proverbs 17:3</a></b></br> The fining pot <i>is</i> for silver, and the furnace for gold: but the LORD trieth the hearts.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/12-6.htm">Psalm 12:6</a></b></br> The words of the LORD <i>are</i> pure words: <i>as</i> silver tried in a furnace of earth, purified seven times.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/66-10.htm">Psalm 66:10</a></b></br> For thou, O God, hast proved us: thou hast tried us, as silver is tried.</p><p class="hdg">so</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/1_samuel/18-7.htm">1 Samuel 18:7,8,15,16,30</a></b></br> And the women answered <i>one another</i> as they played, and said, Saul hath slain his thousands, and David his ten thousands… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/2_samuel/14-25.htm">2 Samuel 14:25</a></b></br> But in all Israel there was none to be so much praised as Absalom for his beauty: from the sole of his foot even to the crown of his head there was no blemish in him.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/2_samuel/15-6.htm">2 Samuel 15:6</a></b></br> And on this manner did Absalom to all Israel that came to the king for judgment: so Absalom stole the hearts of the men of Israel.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/genesis/45-13.htm">Accorded</a> <a href="/proverbs/17-3.htm">Crucible</a> <a href="/proverbs/17-3.htm">Fining</a> <a href="/proverbs/17-3.htm">Fining-Pot</a> <a href="/proverbs/17-3.htm">Furnace</a> <a href="/proverbs/25-12.htm">Gold</a> <a href="/proverbs/17-3.htm">Heating-Pot</a> <a href="/proverbs/20-11.htm">Judged</a> <a href="/psalms/105-11.htm">Measured</a> <a href="/proverbs/27-2.htm">Mouth</a> <a href="/proverbs/17-3.htm">Oven-Fire</a> <a href="/proverbs/17-3.htm">Pot</a> <a href="/proverbs/27-2.htm">Praise</a> <a href="/proverbs/12-8.htm">Praised</a> <a href="/psalms/145-4.htm">Praiseth</a> <a href="/proverbs/21-11.htm">Receives</a> <a href="/psalms/66-10.htm">Refined</a> <a href="/proverbs/17-3.htm">Refining</a> <a href="/proverbs/26-23.htm">Silver</a> <a href="/proverbs/10-20.htm">Tested</a> <a href="/psalms/119-140.htm">Tried</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/genesis/45-13.htm">Accorded</a> <a href="/psalms/12-6.htm">Crucible</a> <a href="/proverbs/17-3.htm">Fining</a> <a href="/proverbs/17-3.htm">Fining-Pot</a> <a href="/isaiah/31-9.htm">Furnace</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/2-8.htm">Gold</a> <a href="/proverbs/17-3.htm">Heating-Pot</a> <a href="/proverbs/29-9.htm">Judged</a> <a href="/isaiah/18-2.htm">Measured</a> <a href="/proverbs/30-20.htm">Mouth</a> <a href="/proverbs/17-3.htm">Oven-Fire</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/7-6.htm">Pot</a> <a href="/proverbs/28-4.htm">Praise</a> <a href="/proverbs/31-30.htm">Praised</a> <a href="/proverbs/31-28.htm">Praiseth</a> <a href="/proverbs/28-27.htm">Receives</a> <a href="/isaiah/25-6.htm">Refined</a> <a href="/isaiah/40-19.htm">Refining</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/2-8.htm">Silver</a> <a href="/proverbs/30-5.htm">Tested</a> <a href="/proverbs/30-5.htm">Tried</a><div class="vheading2">Proverbs 27</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/proverbs/27-1.htm">observations of self love</a></span><br><span class="reftext">5. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/proverbs/27-5.htm">of true love</a></span><br><span class="reftext">11. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/proverbs/27-11.htm">of care to avoid offenses</a></span><br><span class="reftext">23. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/proverbs/27-23.htm">and of the household care</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> <br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/proverbs/27.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/proverbs/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/proverbs/27.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>A crucible for silver</b><br>In ancient metallurgy, a crucible was a container used to melt and purify metals. The process involved intense heat to separate impurities from the desired metal. This imagery is used throughout the Bible to describe purification and testing (e.g., <a href="/malachi/3-3.htm">Malachi 3:3</a>). The crucible's purpose is to refine, symbolizing how trials and challenges can purify a person's character.<p><b>and a furnace for gold</b><br>Similar to the crucible, a furnace was used to refine gold, requiring even higher temperatures due to gold's melting point. The furnace represents a more intense form of testing and purification. In biblical terms, gold often symbolizes purity and value (<a href="/revelation/3-18.htm">Revelation 3:18</a>). The refining process is a metaphor for spiritual growth and maturity, as seen in <a href="/job/23-10.htm">Job 23:10</a>, where Job speaks of coming forth as gold after being tested.<p><b>but a man is tested by the praise accorded him</b><br>This phrase shifts the focus from physical refinement to the testing of a person's character through praise. Praise can reveal a person's true nature, as it may lead to pride or humility. The Bible warns against the dangers of pride (<a href="/proverbs/16-18.htm">Proverbs 16:18</a>) and emphasizes the importance of humility (<a href="/philippians/2-3.htm">Philippians 2:3-4</a>). Jesus exemplified humility, despite receiving praise and adoration (<a href="/philippians/2-5.htm">Philippians 2:5-8</a>). The way a person responds to praise can indicate their spiritual maturity and reliance on God rather than self.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/c/crucible_and_furnace.htm">Crucible and Furnace</a></b><br>These are tools used in metallurgy to refine metals by exposing them to high temperatures. In this context, they symbolize the process of testing and refining character.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/s/silver_and_gold.htm">Silver and Gold</a></b><br>Precious metals that require purification to remove impurities. They represent valuable qualities in a person that need to be refined.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/a/a_man.htm">A Man</a></b><br>Refers to any individual whose character and integrity are tested by how they handle praise and recognition.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/t/the_nature_of_testing.htm">The Nature of Testing</a></b><br>Just as metals are tested for purity, individuals are tested by how they respond to praise. This reveals the true nature of their character.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/h/handling_praise_with_humility.htm">Handling Praise with Humility</a></b><br>Praise can inflate pride if not handled with humility. Believers should seek to deflect praise to God, recognizing Him as the source of all good.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_danger_of_pride.htm">The Danger of Pride</a></b><br>Praise can lead to pride, which is a sin that God opposes. Christians should be vigilant in maintaining a humble heart.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/r/refinement_through_praise.htm">Refinement through Praise</a></b><br>Just as trials refine faith, praise can refine character by revealing areas of pride or insecurity that need to be addressed.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/s/seeking_god's_approval.htm">Seeking God's Approval</a></b><br>Ultimately, the approval that matters most is God's. Believers should focus on pleasing Him rather than seeking human praise.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_proverbs_27.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Proverbs 27</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what's_the_bible's_view_on_hate_speech.htm">What is the Bible's stance on hate speech?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_is_truth_according_to_the_bible.htm">What does the Bible teach about money?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_and_where_is_the_holy_land.htm">What is the Bible's perspective on nagging?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_to_reconcile_proverbs_12_4_with_exodus_21.htm">Proverbs 12:4 extols a virtuous wife, but how can we reconcile this with other biblical passages portraying women as subordinate or property (e.g., Exodus 21)?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/proverbs/27.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(21) <span class= "bld">So is a man to his praise--</span><span class= "ital">i.e.</span>, as the fining-pot and furnace test the metals put into them, so does that on which a man prides or boasts himself. Observe what this is--<span class= "ital">e.g., </span>wealth, or show, or popularity, or duty--and you will see what sort of a man he is. Or it may mean, praise--<span class= "ital">i.e., </span>popularity, is as great a trial to a man as the fining-pot to silver; he must be of good metal if he comes unhurt out of this. Or, again, it may signify, let a man test his praise--<span class= "ital">i.e., </span>examine by whom and for what he is praised, and be sure it is genuine and well deserved<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/proverbs/27.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 21.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">Fining pot</span>, etc. (see on Proverbs 17:3; comp. also <a href="/proverbs/25-4.htm">Proverbs 25:4</a>). So is a man to his praise. The Hebrew is literally, <span class="accented">The crucible for silver</span>, <span class="accented">and the furnace for gold</span>, <span class="accented">and a man according</span>, <span class="accented">to his praise; i</span>.<span class="accented">e</span>. as the processes of metallurgy test the precious metals, so a man's public reputation shows what he is really worth, as is stated in <a href="/proverbs/12-8.htm">Proverbs 12:8</a>. As the crucible brings all impurities to the surface, so public opinion drags forth all that is bad in a man, and he who stands this test is generally esteemed. Certainly praise is a stimulus to exertion, an incentive to try to make one's self worthy of the estimation in which one is held, especially if he purifies it from the dross and earthliness mixed with it, and takes to himself only what is genuine and just. But public opinion is very commonly false end is always a very unsafe criterion of moral excellence. Hence other interpretations have been proposed. Ewald renders, "and a man according to his boasting," that is, according to that which he most praises in himself and others. So virtually Hitzig, Bottcher, Zockler, and others. In this view the gnome denotes that a man's real character is best examined by the light cast upon it by his usual line of thought, what he most prides himself upon, what he admires most in other men. Plumptre, after Gesenius and Fleischer, has, "So let a man be to his praise," <span class="accented">i</span>.<span class="accented">e</span>. to the mouth which praises him; let him test this commendation, to see what it is worth, before he accepts it as his due. The explanation first given seems on the whole most suitable, when we reflect that the highest morality is not always enunciated, and that secondary motives are widely recognized as factors in action and judgment. There are not wanting men in modern days who uphold the maxim, <span class="accented">Vox populi</span>, <span class="accented">vox Dei</span>. Septuagint, "The action of fire is a test for silver and gold, so a man is tested by the mouth of them that praise him." No surer test of a man's true character can be found than his behaviour under praise; many men arc spoiled by it. If a man comes forth from it without injury, not rendered vain, or blind to his defects, or disdainful of others, his disposition is good, and the commendation lavished upon him may be morally and spiritually beneficial. Vulgate, <span class="accented">Sic probatur homo ore laudantis</span>, "So is a man proved by the mouth of him that praises him." The following passage from St. Gregory, commenting on this, is worth quoting, "Praise of one's self tortures the just, but elates the wicked. But while it tortures, it purifies the just; and while it pleases the wicked, it proves them to be reprobate. For these revel in their own praise, because they seek not the glory of their Maker. But they who seek the glory of their Maker are tortured with their own praise, lest that which is spoken of without should not exist within them; lest, if that which is said really exists, it should be made void in the sight of God by these very honours; lest the praise of men should soften the firmness of their heart, and should lay it low in self-satisfaction; and lest that which ought to aid them to increase their exertions, should be even now the recompense of their labour. But when they see that their own praises tend to the glory of God, they even long for and welcome them. For it is written, "That they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven" ('Moral.,' 26:62, Oxford transl.). The LXX. adds a verse which is not found in the Hebrew, but occurs in some manuscripts of the Latin Version, "The heart of the transgressor seeketh out evils, but an upright heart seeketh knowledge." <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/proverbs/27-21.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div><span class="word">A crucible</span><br /><span class="heb">מַצְרֵ֣ף</span> <span class="translit">(maṣ·rêp̄)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4715.htm">Strong's 4715: </a> </span><span class="str2">A crucible</span><br /><br /><span class="word">for silver</span><br /><span class="heb">לַ֭כֶּסֶף</span> <span class="translit">(lak·ke·sep̄)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-l, Article | Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3701.htm">Strong's 3701: </a> </span><span class="str2">Silver, money</span><br /><br /><span class="word">and a furnace</span><br /><span class="heb">וְכ֣וּר</span> <span class="translit">(wə·ḵūr)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3564.htm">Strong's 3564: </a> </span><span class="str2">Smelting pot or furnace</span><br /><br /><span class="word">for gold,</span><br /><span class="heb">לַזָּהָ֑ב</span> <span class="translit">(laz·zā·hāḇ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-l, Article | Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_2091.htm">Strong's 2091: </a> </span><span class="str2">Gold, something gold-colored, as oil, a clear sky</span><br /><br /><span class="word">but a man [is tested]</span><br /><span class="heb">וְ֝אִ֗ישׁ</span> <span class="translit">(wə·’îš)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_376.htm">Strong's 376: </a> </span><span class="str2">A man as an individual, a male person</span><br /><br /><span class="word">by the praise</span><br /><span class="heb">מַהֲלָלֽוֹ׃</span> <span class="translit">(ma·hă·lā·lōw)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4110.htm">Strong's 4110: </a> </span><span class="str2">Praise</span><br /><br /><span class="word">accorded him.</span><br /><span class="heb">לְפִ֣י</span> <span class="translit">(lə·p̄î)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-l | Noun - masculine singular construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6310.htm">Strong's 6310: </a> </span><span class="str2">The mouth, edge, portion, side, according to</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/proverbs/27-21.htm">Proverbs 27:21 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/proverbs/27-21.htm">Proverbs 27:21 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/proverbs/27-21.htm">Proverbs 27:21 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/proverbs/27-21.htm">Proverbs 27:21 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/proverbs/27-21.htm">Proverbs 27:21 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/proverbs/27-21.htm">Proverbs 27:21 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/proverbs/27-21.htm">Proverbs 27:21 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/proverbs/27-21.htm">Proverbs 27:21 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/proverbs/27-21.htm">Proverbs 27:21 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/proverbs/27-21.htm">Proverbs 27:21 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/proverbs/27-21.htm">OT Poetry: Proverbs 27:21 The crucible is for silver and (Prov. Pro Pr) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/proverbs/27-20.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Proverbs 27:20"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Proverbs 27:20" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/proverbs/27-22.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Proverbs 27:22"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Proverbs 27:22" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>