that the proof of your faith, which is more precious than gold that perishes even though it is tested by fire, may be found to result in praise, glory, and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ--
being much more precious than of gold that perisheth though it be tried with fire: Peter’s figure refers to a goldsmith who is in the process of refining gold. As the goldsmith casts the ore into the furnace, he applies the heat to cause the impurities to rise to the top where they are skimmed off. This process continues until he can see his face in the surface of the liquid. Even so must our lives be subjected to the burning trials of life until our impurities rise to be removed, and God can see His face in us. Peter says that the trial of our faith is much more precious than that of gold. May we with patience wait until the great Goldsmith can see His face in us.