Proverbs 27:21
Proverbs 27:21 in Multiple Translations
A crucible for silver and a furnace for gold, but a man is tested by the praise accorded him.
As the fining pot for silver, and the furnace for gold; so is a man to his praise.
The refining pot is for silver, and the furnace for gold; And a man is tried by his praise.
The heating-pot is for silver and the oven-fire for gold, and a man is measured by what he is praised for.
Just as a crucible tests silver, and a furnace tests gold, people are tested by the praise they receive.
As is the fining pot for siluer and the fornace for golde, so is euery man according to his dignitie.
A refining pot [is] for silver, and a furnace for gold, And a man according to his praise.
The crucible is for silver, and the furnace for gold; but man is refined by his praise.
As the fining-pot for silver, and the furnace for gold; so is a man to his praise.
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.
Workers put silver and gold in a very hot furnace to burn out what is impure, and [SIM] people learn what we are really like when they see how we react when people praise us.
Berean Amplified Bible — Proverbs 27:21
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Proverbs 27:21 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
מַצְרֵ֣ף
לַ֭/כֶּסֶף
וְ/כ֣וּר
לַ/זָּהָ֑ב
וְ֝/אִ֗ישׁ
לְ/פִ֣י
מַהֲלָלֽ/וֹ
מַצְרֵ֣ף
mitsrêph
H4715
crucible
N-ms
לַ֭/כֶּסֶף
keçeph
H3701
silver
Prep | N-ms
וְ/כ֣וּר
kûwr
H3564
furnace
Conj | N-ms
לַ/זָּהָ֑ב
zâhâb
H2091
gold
Prep | N-ms
וְ֝/אִ֗ישׁ
ʼîysh
H376
man
Conj | N-ms
לְ/פִ֣י
peh
H6310
lip
Prep | N-ms
מַהֲלָלֽ/וֹ
mahălâl
H4110
praise
N-ms | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
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Hebrew Word Reference — Proverbs 27:21
מַצְרֵ֣ף
mitsrêph
H4715
"crucible"
N-ms
A crucible is a vessel used to melt and purify metals, and this word appears in the Bible as a symbol of refinement. It is used in books like Ezekiel and Proverbs to describe the process of testing and purifying something. The idea is to remove impurities and make something pure.
Definition: crucible
Usage: Occurs in 2 OT verses. KJV: fining pot. See also: Proverbs 17:3; Proverbs 27:21.
לַ֭/כֶּסֶף
keçeph
H3701
"silver"
Prep | N-ms
Silver or money, often referring to payment or wealth, like the silver talents in Matthew 25. It can also describe silver as a valuable metal or ornament.
Definition: : money/payment/silver 1) silver, money 1a) silver 1a1) as metal 1a2) as ornament 1a3) as colour 1b) money, shekels, talents
Usage: Occurs in 343 OT verses. KJV: money, price, silver(-ling). See also: Genesis 13:2; Numbers 22:18; 2 Chronicles 1:17.
וְ/כ֣וּר
kûwr
H3564
"furnace"
Conj | N-ms
This Hebrew word means a furnace or a pot, often used for smelting or refining metals. It's mentioned in Exodus 9:8, where God tells Moses to take ashes from the furnace. The KJV translates it as 'furnace'.
Definition: 1) furnace, forge, smelting furnace or pot v 2) (Qal) to bore, pierce, dig, hew
Usage: Occurs in 9 OT verses. KJV: furnace. Compare H3600 (כִּיר). See also: Deuteronomy 4:20; Isaiah 48:10; Proverbs 17:3.
לַ/זָּהָ֑ב
zâhâb
H2091
"gold"
Prep | N-ms
Gold is a valuable metal, also used to describe something yellow or brilliant, like oil or a clear sky. It is often mentioned in the Bible as a precious resource.
Definition: 1) gold 1a) as precious metal 1b) as a measure of weight 1c) of brilliance, splendour (fig.) Aramaic equivalent: de.hav (דְּהַב "gold" H1722)
Usage: Occurs in 336 OT verses. KJV: gold(-en), fair weather. See also: Genesis 2:11; Numbers 7:26; 1 Chronicles 28:17.
וְ֝/אִ֗ישׁ
ʼîysh
H376
"man"
Conj | N-ms
The Hebrew word for man, referring to a male person or individual, is used in the Bible to describe humans in contrast to God or animals, as seen in Genesis and Psalms. It can also mean husband or servant. In the KJV, it is translated as man or male.
Definition: : man 1) man 1a) man, male (in contrast to woman, female) 1b) husband 1c) human being, person (in contrast to God) 1d) servant 1e) mankind 1f) champion 1g) great man 2) whosoever 3) each (adjective)
Usage: Occurs in 1851 OT verses. KJV: also, another, any (man), a certain, [phrase] champion, consent, each, every (one), fellow, (foot-, husband-) man, (good-, great, mighty) man, he, high (degree), him (that is), husband, man(-kind), [phrase] none, one, people, person, [phrase] steward, what (man) soever, whoso(-ever), worthy. Compare H802 (אִשָּׁה). See also: Genesis 2:23; Genesis 42:25; Exodus 32:23.
לְ/פִ֣י
peh
H6310
"lip"
Prep | N-ms
In the Bible, this Hebrew word refers to the mouth, lips, or edge of something, and can also mean a portion or side of something. It is often used to describe speech or the act of speaking. This word appears in various forms, such as mouth, lip, or edge.
Definition: : lip/mouth peh 1) mouth 1a) mouth (of man) 1b) mouth (as organ of speech) 1c) mouth (of animals) 1d) mouth, opening, orifice (of a well, river, etc) 1e) extremity, end pim 2) a weight equal to one third of a shekel, occurs only in 1Sa 13:21
Usage: Occurs in 460 OT verses. KJV: accord(-ing as, -ing to), after, appointment, assent, collar, command(-ment), [idiom] eat, edge, end, entry, [phrase] file, hole, [idiom] in, mind, mouth, part, portion, [idiom] (should) say(-ing), sentence, skirt, sound, speech, [idiom] spoken, talk, tenor, [idiom] to, [phrase] two-edged, wish, word. See also: Genesis 4:11; Deuteronomy 21:17; Ezra 9:11.
מַהֲלָלֽ/וֹ
mahălâl
H4110
"praise"
N-ms | Suff
This Hebrew word means praise or fame, and is used to describe admiration or worship, like in Psalm 100:4 where it says to enter God's gates with praise.
Definition: praise, boast
Usage: Occurs in 1 OT verses. KJV: praise. See also: Proverbs 27:21.
Study Notes — Proverbs 27:21
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Proverbs 27:21 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 27:21
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 27:21
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 27:21
- Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 27:21
- Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 27:21
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 27:21
- Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 27:21
- Barnes' Notes on Proverbs 27:21
- Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 27:21
- Sermons on Proverbs 27:21
Context — Do Not Boast about Tomorrow
19As water reflects the face, so the heart reflects the true man.
20Sheol and Abaddon are never satisfied; so the eyes of man are never satisfied.
21A crucible for silver and a furnace for gold, but a man is tested by the praise accorded him.
22Though you grind a fool like grain with mortar and a pestle, yet his folly will not depart from him. 23Be sure to know the state of your flocks, and pay close attention to your herds;Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Proverbs 17:3 | A crucible for silver and a furnace for gold, but the LORD is the tester of hearts. |
| 2 | Zechariah 13:9 | 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.’” |
| 3 | Psalms 66:10 | For You, O God, have tested us; You have refined us like silver. |
| 4 | Malachi 3:3 | 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. |
| 5 | 1 Peter 1:7 | 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. |
| 6 | Psalms 12:6 | The words of the LORD are flawless, like silver refined in a furnace, like gold purified sevenfold. |
| 7 | 1 Samuel 18:30 | Every time the Philistine commanders came out for battle, David was more successful than all of Saul’s officers, so that his name was highly esteemed. |
| 8 | 2 Samuel 15:6–12 | Absalom did this to all the Israelites who came to the king for justice. In this way he stole the hearts of the men of Israel. After four years had passed, Absalom said to the king, “Please let me go to Hebron to fulfill a vow I have made to the LORD. For your servant made a vow while dwelling in Geshur of Aram, saying: ‘If indeed the LORD brings me back to Jerusalem, I will worship the LORD in Hebron.’ ” “Go in peace,” said the king. So Absalom got up and went to Hebron. Then Absalom sent spies throughout the tribes of Israel with this message: “When you hear the sound of the horn, you are to say, ‘Absalom reigns in Hebron!’” Two hundred men from Jerusalem accompanied Absalom. They had been invited as guests and they went along innocently, for they knew nothing about the matter. While Absalom was offering the sacrifices, he sent for Ahithophel the Gilonite, David’s counselor, to come from his hometown of Giloh. So the conspiracy gained strength, and Absalom’s following kept increasing. |
| 9 | 1 Peter 4:12 | Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial that has come upon you, as though something strange were happening to you. |
| 10 | 1 Samuel 18:15–16 | When Saul saw that David was very successful, he was afraid of him. But all Israel and Judah loved David, because he was leading them out to battle and back. |
Proverbs 27:21 Summary
This verse means that just like silver and gold are purified in a crucible or furnace, our character is revealed by how we respond to praise and recognition from others. When we receive praise, we can either let it go to our heads and become proud, or we can remain humble and give God the glory, as seen in 1 Corinthians 10:31. By responding to praise in a humble and grateful way, we can pass the test and become more like Jesus, who always deflected praise to His Father (John 5:41-44). This verse reminds us to stay grounded and focused on God, even when we receive recognition or accolades from others.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to be tested by praise?
Being tested by praise means that a person's character is revealed by how they respond to compliments, accolades, and admiration from others, as seen in Proverbs 27:21, and this can be a refining process, similar to how silver and gold are purified in a crucible or furnace, as described in Proverbs 17:3 and Isaiah 48:10.
Why is praise a test for humans?
Praise can be a test for humans because it can reveal our hearts' true intentions and motivations, and whether we are seeking to glorify God or ourselves, as warned in 1 Corinthians 4:5 and Jeremiah 17:9-10.
How can we pass the test of praise?
We can pass the test of praise by remaining humble and acknowledging God as the source of our accomplishments, as seen in Proverbs 28:26 and 1 Corinthians 10:31, and by not letting praise become an idol in our lives, as warned in Deuteronomy 8:14 and Revelation 2:5.
What is the significance of the crucible and furnace in this verse?
The crucible and furnace represent the refining process that silver and gold undergo to be purified, and similarly, praise can be a refining process for humans, revealing our true character and helping us grow in humility and dependence on God, as described in Psalm 66:10 and Malachi 3:3.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways that I have been tested by praise in my own life, and how have I responded?
- How can I cultivate a heart of humility and gratitude when I receive praise or recognition?
- What are some potential dangers of seeking praise and admiration from others, and how can I avoid these pitfalls?
- How can I use praise and recognition as an opportunity to point others to God and give Him the glory, rather than seeking to glorify myself?
Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 27:21
[As] the fining pot for silver, and the furnace for gold,.... For the trying, proving, and purifying these metals; see Proverbs 17:3; so [is] a man to his praise; or "according to the mouth of his
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 27:21
As the fining pot for silver, and the furnace for gold; so is a man to his praise. (As) the fining pot (crucible) for silver (note, Proverbs 17:3) ... so is a man to (according to; Hebrew, lªpiy (H6310)) his praise.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 27:21
As the fining pot for silver; is appointed and used for the trial of silver, and the detection and separation of the dross from it. So is a man to his praise; or, according to his praise. The sense is, So a man is known by his praises; either, 1. By the quality of those who praise and applaud him; and as they are good or bad, so is he thought to be. Or, 2. By his carriage under praises; as he carries himself either humbly and modestly with thankfulness to God, and a due sense of his own infirmities, which is the case and temper of a good man; or ambitiously and vain-gloriously, taking to himself the honour which he should give to God, as ungodly men generally do in that case.
Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 27:21
Proverbs 27:21 [As] the fining pot for silver, and the furnace for gold; so [is] a man to his praise.Ver. 21. As the fining pot for silver, &c.] Man is naturally apt to be much taken, and even tickled, with his own commendation, as Felix was with Tertullus’ s flatteries, as was Demosthenes when they pointed at him as he passed by, and said, This is that famous orator. But "let every man prove his own works," saith Paul, and testimonium tibi perhibeat conscientia propria, non lingua aliena, saith Augustine: Let thine own conscience, and not another man’ s tongue praise thee. Or if needlessly they will do it, let it refine us, as here, to more humility, and more care of sound holiness; let it, by the refining pot, melt us and make us better. This is the right use of it. ηδιστονακουσμαοεπαινος. - Xenophon. ουτοςεστινο Dημοσθενης.
Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 27:21
(21) So is a man to his praise—i.e., 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—e.g., wealth, or show, or popularity, or duty—and you will see what sort of a man he is. Or it may mean, praise—i.e., 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—i.e., examine by whom and for what he is praised, and be sure it is genuine and well deserved
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 27:21
Verse 21. As the fining pot for silver] As silver and gold are tried by the art of the refiner, so is a man's heart by the praise he receives. If he feel it not, he deserves it; if he be puffed up by it, he is worthless.
Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 27:21
21. to his praise] The meaning is brought out more clearly in R.V. text: The fining pot is for silver, and the furnace for gold, And a man is tried by his praise: i.e. by the manner in which he bears the praise bestowed upon him. Two alternatives are given in R.V. marg.: that which he praiseth, or, that whereof he boasteth: i.e. you may test a man’s character by observing what it is that he praises in others, or that he is proud of in himself. Another plausible rendering has found considerable favour: What the fining pot and the furnace are to the precious metals, that should a man be to the mouth which praises him; lit. to the mouth of his praise. He should purge away from what it utters, before he accepts it, the dross of flattery and exaggeration. The first clause of this verse is identical with that of Pro 17:3.
Barnes' Notes on Proverbs 27:21
So is ... - Better, So let a man be to his praise, let him purify it from all the alloy of flattery and baseness with which it is too probably mixed up.
Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 27:21
21. Fining pot — A crucible. So is a man to his praise — Or in respect to the praise bestowed upon him. Praise develops his true character. Many men cannot bear it. “They are puffed up,” and shown to be drossy or impure.
Sermons on Proverbs 27:21
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
For the Love of Men by J.H. Newman | John Henry Newman delves into the concept of hypocrisy, explaining it as not just deceiving others knowingly, but also deceiving oneself by seeking praise through religious acts mo |
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On the Priesthood - Part 6 by St. John Chrysostom | John Chrysostom emphasizes the challenges faced by preachers in contending for the truth, particularly the struggle with managing the expectations and criticisms of the audience. H |
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My Peace I Give Unto You by A.B. Simpson | In this sermon, the preacher delves into the concept of fiery ordeal as depicted in the Bible, particularly focusing on the refining process likened to a smelting furnace where imp |
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Jesus' First Temptation by David Servant | This sermon delves into the temptation of Jesus in the wilderness, highlighting the purpose behind Jesus being led by the Spirit to face temptation by the devil. It emphasizes the |
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Purgatory Needful for Christians by Ralph Erskine | Ralph Erskine preaches about the Christian purgatory that Christ designed to bring His disciples through, which includes the purifying blood of Christ, the refining fire of the Spi |
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Tried by Fire by A.W. Pink | A.W. Pink's sermon 'Tried by Fire' explores Job's journey through suffering and his ultimate faith in God's omniscience and purpose. Job initially expresses bitterness over his tri |
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Why Do the Godly Suffer? by Charles S. Price | Charles S. Price preaches about the profound purpose God has in every life, emphasizing that God molds us through various processes to be vessels fit for His use, playing symphonie |