Proverbs 27:21

to his praise The meaning is brought out more clearly in R.V. text:

The fining pot is for silver, and the furnace for gold,

And a man is tried by his praise:

i.e. by the manner in which he bears the praise bestowed upon him.

Two alternatives are given in R.V. marg.: that which he praiseth, or, that whereof he boasteth:i.e. you may test a man's character by observing what it is that he praises in others, or that he is proud of in himself.

Another plausible rendering has found considerable favour: What the fining pot and the furnace are to the precious metals, that should a man be to the mouth which praises him; lit. to the mouth of his praise. He should purge away from what it utters, before he accepts it, the dross of flattery and exaggeration.

The first clause of this verse is identical with that of Proverbs 17:3.