Proverbs This passage is compelling to me… Of course a crucible is a hopper that metals are placed into and then heated until they melt and then pour into molds in order to form them into useful tools. Alright, what might we gain from these words of Solomon? Well, when the heat is on… impurities are separated from precious metals which makes them worth something when they were of no use before. I think this is the parallel that applies spiritually in our life. Troubles and trials have the potential to make us more pure and holy and in tune with the Lord. We saw this on a National scale with the 911 terrorist attack. The US found itself in a kind of crucible… people were scared and many turned to God… Many churches were packed with people.So brokenness points us to the Lord… Now, as he often does, Solomon adds something to this truth that I would not expect. He says a man is tested by his praise. I would have thought a man is tested by the troubles he faces… as we said… when the heat is on… when he’s in the crucible… So I think there is truth in that… but the test can begin long before the trouble arrives.As gold and silver even before the crucible and furnace… with their impurities… they stir up lust and greed don’t they? Then they are sent to the fire and the impurities can be removed. In a similar way, when a man receives praise the test is on. If he is a man with prideful impurities in his life, he will receive that glory gladly. His lust for popularity will cause him to fail the test. And what does Solomon tell us about pride? Proverbs Remember King Nebuchadnezzar?…Daniel 34 At the end of the days I, Nebuchadnezzar, lifted my eyes to heaven, and my reason returned to me, and I blessed the Most High, and praised and honored him who lives forever, for his dominion is an everlasting dominion, and his kingdom endures from generation to generation; … 37 Now I, Nebuchadnezzar, praise and extol and honor the King of heaven, for all his works are right and his ways are just; and those who walk in pride he is able to humble.So, yes, Solomon is right… a man is tested by his praise. For some the praise and the crucible that follows brings humility and holiness. For others reread today's passage in verse 22. Thankfully, all who look away from their own pride to Jesus receive his purity imputed to them. Ultimately, he took the crucible for us when he was crucified on the Cross… We are made pure by Jesus and practically we are his work in progress while in this body.Isaiah