Gentle Honesty That Examines the Heart

My dear son,

I want your inner heart to grow truthful along with your outward life. Tell me what you hope for and the kind of person you want to become. Before your Father, an honest heart is more welcome than words meant to impress.

As silver and gold are treated with care, I attend closely to your heart. What is still unformed can be shaped within the love I teach. I remain beside you, desiring that you learn honesty and grow to love what is good.

Speak slowly about anything you want to examine tonight. Celebrate what has grown well too. I want to support your growth with lasting affection, rather than hurry you to become complete overnight.

With all my love,
Your Father

Proverbs 17:3

WEB

3The refining pot is for silver, and the furnace for gold, but the LORD tests the hearts.

A short reflection

Proverbs compares the Lord's testing of human hearts to a crucible and furnace refining silver and gold; the saying does not identify the cause of any particular suffering.

World English Bible (WEB) · Public DomainRead the chapter