Fire tests gold and silver; a person's reputation can also be tested.

Examine me and test me, LORD; judge my desires and thoughts.

You have put us to the test, God; as silver is purified by fire, so you have tested us.

I have tested you in the fire of suffering, as silver is refined in a furnace. But I have found that you are worthless.

I, the LORD, search the minds and test the hearts of people. I treat each of them according to the way they live, according to what they do."

And I will test the third that survives and will purify them as silver is purified by fire. I will test them as gold is tested. Then they will pray to me, and I will answer them. I will tell them that they are my people, and they will confess that I am their God."

But who will be able to endure the day when he comes? Who will be able to survive when he appears? He will be like strong soap, like a fire that refines metal.

He will come to judge like one who refines and purifies silver. As a metalworker refines silver and gold, so the LORD's messenger will purify the priests, so that they will bring to the LORD the right kind of offerings.

Their purpose is to prove that your faith is genuine. Even gold, which can be destroyed, is tested by fire; and so your faith, which is much more precious than gold, must also be tested, so that it may endure. Then you will receive praise and glory and honor on the Day when Jesus Christ is revealed.

I will also kill her followers, and then all the churches will know that I am the one who knows everyone's thoughts and wishes. I will repay each of you according to what you have done.