Homilist Proverbs 27:21 As the fining pot for silver, and the furnace for gold; so is a man to his praise. Men, in ancient times as well as in modern, submit precious metals, such as silver and gold, to the test of the fire. Fire revealed their impurity, and made them appear in their true character. What fire is to these metals, Solomon says, popularity or applause is to man's character — it tests him. I. POPULARITY REVEALS THE VANITY OF THE PROUD MAN. How did Absolom appear in the blaze of popularity? (2 Samuel 25:22). How did Herod appear? Amidst the shouts of his flatterers he assumed to be a god. II. POPULARITY REVEALS THE HUMILITY OF A TRUE MAN. A true man shrinks from popular applause, and feels humbled amidst its shouts. Dr. Payson, a careful self-observer, mentions among his trials "well-meant but injudicious commendations." "Every one here," he writes to his mother, "whether friends or enemies, are conspiring to ruin me. Satan and my own heart, of course, will lend a hand, and if you join too, I fear all the cold water which Christ can throw upon my pride will not prevent it from breaking out in a destructive flame. As certainly as anybody flatters and caresses me, my Father has to scourge me for it, and an unspeakable mercy it is that He condescends to do it." Popularity is indeed to character what the "fining-pot is for silver and the furnace for gold." Few things in life show us the stuff of which men are made more than this. Little men court this fire, but cannot stand it. (Homilist.) Parallel Verses KJV: As the fining pot for silver, and the furnace for gold; so is a man to his praise.WEB: The crucible is for silver, and the furnace for gold; but man is refined by his praise. |
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