vs 3
The fining pot is for silver, and the furnace for gold: but the LORD trieth the hearts. Here in verse three we see a bridge map type of comparison being used. Bridge maps are often used in the education field.
A BRIDGE MAP© focuses on the thought process of seeing
analogies. Students use a Bridge Map to identifying similarities between
relationships and to create analogies. The relating factor between the words
is made explicit and is underlined in these examples: “An apple is a type of
fruit as a carrot is a type of vegetable”. Another example is “1/2 is equal to
2/4 as 1/3 is equal to 2/6. These analogies relate to purification. The fining pot is used to purify silver as well the furnace is a key tool in the purification of gold. And so it is the LORD who only can purify our hearts. With each there must be heat applied in order to remove impurities. So don't be alarmed when the Lord turns up the heat. It won't kill us but rather make us better and more
valuable for the kingdom of God. Jeremiah 17:9-10 Jeremiah
The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it? I the LORD search the heart, I try the reins, even to give every man according to his ways, and according to the fruit of his doings. This has been God's way with his people for quite a long time. Zechariah 13:8-9
And it shall come to pass, that in all the land, saith the LORD, two parts therein shall be cut off and die; but the third shall be left therein. And I will bring the third part through the fire, and will refine them as silver is refined, and will try them as gold is tried: they shall call on my name, and I will hear them: I will say, It is my people: and they shall say, The LORD is my God. It all reminds me of another old song of Zion. I like the Albertina Walker version with the choir but this version is settling as I go through the scriptures.
There was a once a popular saying in my hood where one person would warn another person about mistreating or upsetting them. They would say, "don't try me"! Well in the Kingdom of God, those that are his will be, and should expect to be, tried. In fact, our spirit should be one that cries out try me Lord!! "I'm yours Lord, everything I've got, everything I am, everything I'm not. I'm yours Lord, try me now and see, see if I can be, completely yours.
vs 8
A gift is as a precious stone in the eyes of him that hath it: whithersoever it turneth, it prospereth. This one is tricky as it is written in KJV mingled with our modern understanding. Gift in this verse is referring to a bribe. It is this bribe that is a precious stone to a man. He's proud of it and cherishes it, for materialistic gain is his god. He expects his god to cause him to continue to gain in every area of life. I had to go into two different study bibles, the Strong's Concordance, Matthew Henry's Commentary, and then when I went to the Amplified Bible it all came together.
(AMP) 8 A bribe is like a bright, precious stone that dazzles the eyes and affects the mind of him who gives it; [as if by magic] he prospers, whichever way he turns.vs 17
A friend loveth at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.
A true friend is characterized here as one who will stick with you through thick and thin. A true friend will always love you even when he or she must correct you. Your best interest is always the focus of a true friend. Therefore true friends establish themselves as precious commodities in the lives of those whom they befriend. The second part of the verse is a focus of the Men Ministry at my church. A brother is born for adversity. We are here to help one another. No man is an island unto himself. Men have the propensity to approach and deal with adversity alone. We must humble and avail ourselves one to another while providing support and accountability. Then shall the whole Body of Christ grown in strength.
vs 27 I'd love to hear what sister Layla would have to say on this. She blessed us all when she spoke on excellence some time ago.
vs 28 (Amp)
Even a fool when he holds his peace is considered wise; when he closes his lips he is esteemed a man of understanding. A few verses in this chapter such as vs 9 and 20 elude to the advantages of keeping quiet. Many people have compromised their standing and admiration for the sake of what came out of their mouth. A person can be seen as most impressively attractive one minute and then destroy it all by the words of their mouth. Some have mastered this art and some overuse it. "I won't say anything because I don't want people to think I'm stupid". Most stupid people will quickly hear and see stupid things. Those of a sound heart and wisdom realizes where a person is coming from whether it be from sincerity or foolishness. There is a time to be quiet and a time to speak in the spirit of Ecclesiastes 3. Are there any readers out there who might be hesitant to join in this exploration of Proverbs for the sake of not looking bad? If so, please don't be intimidated because we learn from one another and I feel every contribution here will be a blessed contribution.
Lord we thank you for your Word. Bless us to continue to read and apply your Word to our lives. For it is by your Word that we shall live. Ever give us a mind to share and grow, blessing others as we ourselves are blessed. It is to you that we give all the glory, honor, and praise. Keep our minds stayed upon you at all times that we might lift up thy name.
In Jesus Name we pray, amen.
