‘I have sent you to test my people.
    Test them like someone tests metal.
Watch them carefully,
    to see how they live.
²⁸ They have completely turned against God.
    They refuse to change their minds.
They tell lies against people,
    and they cheat them.
²⁹ A very hot fire can remove the dirt from silver
    and make it pure.
I punish my people to make them pure,
    but it is useless.
There are too many wicked people,
    so I cannot make them pure.