Proverbs 27:20-22 (ESV)
20 Sheol and Abaddon are never satisfied,
and never satisfied are the eyes of man.
21 The crucible is for silver, and the furnace is for gold,
and a man is tested by his praise.
22 Crush a fool in a mortar with a pestle
along with crushed grain,
yet his folly will not depart from him.
Death is never quenched, continually and relentlessly bringing its victims to the grave, and in the same way lustful passions are never satisfied. Unchecked, the human desire for more consumes and devours communities, families, and even individuals.True spiritual rest is found in the finished work of Christ. Just as the purity of a metal was proven through the process of heating, in the same way a person’s heart is proven by whom she praises and who praises her in return. A mortar and pestle were used to grind grain, making it useful, but even crushing and pounding don’t drive foolish ways from the unwise person. From a human standpoint, it may be impossible to teach the foolish, but thankfully, Jesus has the power to bring even the dead to life. Do you honor those who fear the Lord, or those who love the world? Make sure you look up to people who look up to God.