Psalms 12:6

A general truth with direct application to the promise of the preceding verse. In Jehovah's words there is no dross of flattery or insincerity or falsehood. Unlike the words of men, they are wholly to be relied on.

as silver tried Omit as. Silver is a natural emblem of purity and preciousness. The metaphor underlies the language of Psalms 18:30; Psalms 119:140; Proverbs 30:5.

in a furnace of earth The precise meaning is doubtful. Either (1) in a furnace on the earth (R.V.), i.e. a furnace built on the ground, the point of which is not obvious: or (2) silver refined in a furnace (flowing down)to the earth may be meant to picture the bright stream of pure metal flowing from the furnace, shewing that the process of refining has done its work.

purified seven times Again and again till no trace of dross is left. Seven is the number of completeness and perfection. Cp. Psalms 79:12; Proverbs 6:31; Isaiah 30:16.