Proverbs 17:2-3

Proverbs 17:2-3 A wise servant shall have rule over a son that causeth shame, and shall have part of the inheritance among the brethren. ³The fining pot is for silver, and the furnace for gold: but the LORD trieth the hearts (KJV).

Reflection

Gold and silver are tested by those who do not know its purity. God knows the purity of our hearts. The Creator is able to read our motivations. Does God really need to test our hearts? Or do the struggles of live provide proof of the purity of our hearts to our families, friends, colleagues, and acquaintances?

We can debate for a long time if God sends tests or if tests are the natural result of living in a less than perfect world. One thing for which we can be certain - God will not test a person in a way a person cannot handle, because if God sent a trial we could not handle God would be responsible for our failure. Our witness to others is strengthened when they know our hearts are pure, that our hearts breathe the breath of the risen Christ, even during the most monumental crises of life. May the wounded, crucified, and risen Christ be seen in the wounds of your life.