Proverbs 27:21 (BSB)

A crucible for silver and a furnace for gold, but a man is tested by the praise accorded him.

From Proverbs 27. Also in the ESV.

Commentary on Proverbs 27:21

• Matthew Henry (Presbyterian), Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary on Proverbs 27:21: This gives us a touchstone by which we may try ourselves. Silver and gold are tried by putting them into the furnace and fining-pot; so is man tried by praising him. Let him be extolled and preferred, and then he will show himself what he is. 1.
• John Gill (Reformed Baptist), Exposition of the Old and New Testaments on Proverbs 27:21: Be thou diligent to know the state of flocks,.... In what condition they are; what health they enjoy; how fat and fruitful they be; what pasturage they have; and that they want nothing fitting for them that can be had and is necessary; and also the number of them.
• Jamieson-Fausset-Brown (Reformed), Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible on Proverbs 27:21: Praise tests character. a man to his praise--according to his praise, as he bears it. Thus vain men seek it, weak men are inflated by it, wise men disregard it, &c.
• Geneva Bible Notes (Reformed), Geneva Bible Study Notes on Proverbs 27:21: [As] the refining pot for silver, and the furnace for gold; so [is] a man to his praise. (i) That is, he is either known to be ambitious and glorious, or humble and modest.