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Parenting by the Book

Proverbs   Study
Study 170

STUDY 170

Text: Proverbs 17
26 September 2004

Dear Parents,

THE PRINCIPLE OF TESTING IN LIFE
It is important that we remember that God uses the principle of testing in life. This is clearly taught in the Scriptures. Let us consider the following texts.

… There He made a statute and an ordinance for them,
And there He tested them.

Exodus 15:25

The LORD is in His holy temple,
The LORD’s throne is in heaven;
His eyes behold,
His eyelids test the sons of men.
The LORD tests the righteous…

Psalm 11:4-5a

A REMINDER THAT GOD CONTINUES TO EMPLOY THIS PRINCIPLE
The following text reminds us that God continues to use the principle of testing.

The refining pot is for silver
And the furnace for gold,
But the LORD tests the hearts.

Proverbs 17:3

1. The testing of silver and gold

Silver and gold undergo “tests” for one important purpose – Refinement. Silver and gold in their “impure” state is of much lesser value.

2. The testing of the human heart

We are reminded that God continues to use the principle of testing in His dealings with us.

a) He tests the heart

He wants to determine what kind of heart we really have. It is one thing to profess a heart of love for the Lord. It is another thing to prove the statement to be true.

b) He refines the heart

The comparison may not have been obvious, but it was certainly intended. God does not test the individual for no reason. Just as silver and gold become further refined and thus more valuable, so the person who endures and passes the tests that God sets for him will be refined and will emerge more valuable too. Let’s teach our children this truth!

NEVER BE AFRAID OF GOD’S TESTING
Many fear tests! Many fear the testing that God may design for them. This fear is needless. We should, in faith, welcome God’s tests. They are designed to improve us!

Prayerfully,
Pastor Charlie

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