We come to a very insightful comparison today. Solomon compares praise to a finning pot and a furnace. A finning pot and a furnace were used to burn out the impurities that might have looked like a precious metal. If you wanted to test the purity and genuineness of a precious metal, you simply exposed it to the purifying heat. Solomon goes on to say that praise has the same effect in testing the purity of a human heart. The temptation for all of us is to let praise and encouragement fuel our pride. We love for people to think well of us, and if we aren’t careful, we will allow our actions or moods to be dictated by whether or not we are receiving the praise we think we deserve. On the other hand, we can appreciate the kindness and encouragement of others in humility as we acknowledge the giver of every good and perfect gift. May we be lights in a dark world, that people may see our good works, and praise our Father in heaven.