King James Version
What Does Proverbs 27:21 Mean?
“As the fining pot for silver, and the furnace for gold; so is a man to his praise.”
Context
19
As in water face answereth to face, so the heart of man to man.
20
Hell and destruction are never full; so the eyes of man are never satisfied. never: Heb. not
21
As the fining pot for silver, and the furnace for gold; so is a man to his praise.
22
Though thou shouldest bray a fool in a mortar among wheat with a pestle, yet will not his foolishness depart from him.
23
Be thou diligent to know the state of thy flocks, and look well to thy herds. look: Heb. set thy heart
Commentary
Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers(21) **So is a man to his praise—***i.e.*, as the fining-pot and furnace test the metals put into them, so does that on which a man prides or boasts himself. Observe what this is—*e.g., *wealth, or show, or popularity, or duty—and you will see what sort of a man he is. Or it may mean, praise—*i.e., *popularity, is as great a trial to a man as the fining-pot to silver; he must be of good metal if he comes unhurt out of this. Or, again, it may signify, let a man test his praise—*i.e., *examine by whom and for what he is praised, and be sure it is genuine and well deserved
Charles John Ellicott (1819–1905). Public Domain.
Historical Context
This verse is found in the book of Proverbs. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.
Theological Significance
Proverbs 27:21 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.
Cross-References
Verses related to Proverbs 27:21
Cross-references from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge