The crucible ¹  is for refining ²  silver and the furnace ³  is for gold, likewise ⁴  the Lord tests ⁵  hearts.

For the ear assesses ¹  words as the mouth ²  tastes food.

The Lord approves of ¹  the godly, ²  but he ³  hates ⁴  the wicked and those who love to do violence. ⁵ 

but just as we have been approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel, so we declare it, not to please people but God, who examines our hearts.

My brothers and sisters, ¹  consider it nothing but joy ²  when you fall into all sorts of trials,

Your eyes have seen the great judgments, ¹  those signs and mighty wonders.

Does not the ear test words, as ¹  the tongue ²  tastes food? ³ 

So ¹  when the devil ²  had completed every temptation, he departed from him until a more opportune time. ³ 

I also thought to myself, “It is ¹  for the sake of people, ²  so God can clearly ³  show ⁴  them that they are like animals.

So I said to the Lord, ¹  “O Lord who rules over all, ²  you are a just judge! You examine people’s hearts and minds. ³  I want to see you pay them back for what they have done because I trust you to vindicate my cause.” ⁴ 

Examine me, O Lord, and test me! Evaluate my inner thoughts and motives! ¹ 

May the evil deeds of the wicked ¹  come to an end! ²  But make the innocent ³  secure, ⁴  O righteous God, you who examine ⁵  inner thoughts and motives! ⁶ 

As the crucible is for silver and the furnace is for gold, ¹  so a person ²  is proved ³  by the praise he receives. ⁴ 

O Lord who rules over all, ¹  you test and prove the righteous. You see into people’s hearts and minds. ²  Pay them back for what they have done because I trust you to vindicate my cause.

Such trials show the proven character of your faith, ¹  which is much more valuable than gold – gold that is tested by fire, even though it is passing away ²  – and will bring praise ³  and glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed. ⁴