Take away the dross from the silver, and the smith has material for a vessel;
This shows that the vigorous endeavour of a prince to suppress vice, and reform the manners of his people, is the most effectual way to support his government. Observe, 1. what the duty of magistrates is: To take away the wicked, to use their power for the terror of evil works and evil workers, not only to banish those that are vicious and profane from...
Commenting on Proverbs 25:4-5
Take away the dross from the silver,.... By putting it into the furnace, and purging it from it: and there shall come forth a vessel for the finer; not out of the furnace, a vessel formed and shaped, but pure silver shall come out of it for the refiner; of which a vessel may be made, very honourable, beautiful, and fit for use: the application...
As separating impurities from ore leaves pure silver, so taking from a king wicked counsellors leaves a wise and beneficent government.