Proverbs 17:2-3 “A servant who acts wisely will rule over an heir who behaves shamefully, and will share the inheritance along with the relatives. The crucible is for refining silver and the furnace is for gold, likewise the LORD tests hearts.”

Remember how we talked about how these are often probabilities, not promises? Verse 2 should always be true, but often isn’t. We sometimes see people rewarded not because they deserve it, but simply because they are family. The reminder here is that we should reward hard work and wisdom, without regard to position!

Verse 3, however, is a promise. We often face things in life because God is working on refining us. He wants to drive out the impurities so that we are like gold or silver. Are we thankful for that, or do we resent Him because of it?

1 Peter 1;6-7 “…you may have to suffer for a short time in various trials. Such trials show the proven character of your faith, which is much more valuable than gold—gold that is tested by fire, even though it is passing away—and will bring praise and glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed.”

James 1:2-4 “My brothers and sisters, consider it nothing but joy when you fall into all sorts of trials, because you know that the testing of your faith produces endurance. And let endurance have its perfect effect, so that you will be perfect and complete, not deficient in anything.”