ON “THE TESTING OF THE HEARTS”
“The Lord tests the hearts” (Proverbs 17:3b). The most suitable spot for the human heart to be tried and refined is with the Lord Himself. His statement and His fact give an astute, cherishing standard that will both analyse and refine the internal of individuals. This adage recommends two key considerations. To begin with, the heart will respect no power other than that of God. Dross in metal might be found and expurged by fire, yet evil in the heart can be found and managed simply by God. Second, Jehovah attempts the heart. He hence tries us, that He may make us realise what is in us, what dross, what pure metal; and that all may see that we are, for example, for a need, can ‘glorify him in the very fires’ [Isaiah 24:15].