10
both assaying and removal of dross are in view. In Pss 17:3 and 26:2 the psalmist invites
God to test and refine him; in both cases the writer claims integrity, but in 26:11 the writer
also invites further purification. In Dn 11:35 the refining process involves "eliminating the
faithless, and heartening the faithful." The function with regard to hearts in Pr 17:3 is "to
determine their true nature and motives"
NIDOTTE says of
Njb
that, in the less theological more literal settings, "the key
concern involves evaluating the dependability of something." In theological settings, the
Lord evaluates the spiritual condition of people; "this testing process is not simply
evaluative, but also formative."
qqz
functions in a process that results in something that is
pure, that is the best.
In summary, the crucible functions to assay or test metals to evaluate them and see if
they are pure; the very process of testing effects the purification. The dross or impurities are
eliminated, and the result is known with certainty to be valuable, the best it can be.
Applying the various functions to this proverb:
How does the aspect of assaying ore inform the interpretation of this proverb? This is
the process of examination to determine what percentage of a gold-bearing sample is pure
metal; the result is expressed in how many ounces of metal is likely to be found in a ton of
ore. Interpreting the proverb based on this function, one could say that a man might examine
the whole of the praise he receives and make an informed estimate of how much is true.
Another aspect of the crucible is the function of refining or purifying its contents,
removing the impurities and dross. A man can remove flattery from the praise he receives;
he can remove expectations, obsequiousness, white lies, and mere formality from the praise
he gives.
A crucible is also used for smelting: to heat a mixture up so that the metals fuse, melt,
and separate. Not only is dross removed, but also alloy. What remains is pure, the best it can
be. Over time, a man can work on his character so that the praise he receives--i.e., his
evaluations--improve until they are unequivocal. A man can also work over the course of
time to develop the praise he gives until it is honest, sincere, and without flattery or
expectations; that is, until it is the best it can be.
The crucible may be used here merely as a symbol of testing. If you want to see if
silver is worthwhile, look to the crucible--that is where you can determine the authenticity of
the silver. Likewise, if you want to know whether praise is authentic, look at the man.
Subjective or objective praise:
A man can evaluate the praise he receives as well as the praise he gives. A person
can work over time to improve the praise he receives. Likewise, a person can pay attention
to the praise he gives and refine it over time.
Descriptive and prescriptive interpretations:
It has been observed that a man tends to test his praise. It is inevitable that a man will
test his praise. A wise man tests his praise. A man can and should test his praise.
Interpretations
When you praise a man, if he has any sense at all, he will evaluate your praise. A
wise man does not just take the praise he receives at face value, but tests it to see how much
of it is pure; he ignores or tries to eliminate the dross. Some praise is mere flattery; some is
merely spoken out of habit or politeness, not from the heart; some is misdirected or
undeserved.