trying to learn what is pleasing to the Lord.

But examine all things; hold fast to what is good.

You hypocrites! You know how to interpret the appearance of the earth and the sky, but how can you not know how to interpret the present time?

but just as we have been approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel, so we declare it, not to please people but God, who examines our hearts.

and know his will and approve the superior things because you receive instruction from the law,

And these also must be tested first and then let them serve as deacons if they are found blameless.

A person should examine himself first, and in this way let him eat the bread and drink of the cup.

Then, when I arrive, I will send those whom you approve with letters of explanation to carry your gift to Jerusalem.

I am not saying this as a command, but I am testing the genuineness of your love by comparison with the eagerness of others.

so that you can decide what is best, and thus be sincere and blameless for the day of Christ,

“There your fathers tested me and tried me, and they saw my works for forty years.

Another said, ‘I have bought five yoke of oxen, and I am going out to examine them. Please excuse me.’

And just as they did not see fit to acknowledge God, God gave them over to a depraved mind, to do what should not be done.

The faith you have, keep to yourself before God. Blessed is the one who does not judge himself by what he approves.

And we are sending with them our brother whom we have tested many times and found eager in many matters, but who now is much more eager than ever because of the great confidence he has in you.

Put yourselves to the test to see if you are in the faith; examine yourselves! Or do you not recognize regarding yourselves that Jesus Christ is in you – unless, indeed, you fail the test!

Let each one examine his own work. Then he can take pride in himself and not compare himself with someone else.

Dear friends, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to determine if they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world.

Do not be conformed to this present world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may test and approve what is the will of God – what is good and well-pleasing and perfect.

each builder’s work will be plainly seen, for the Day will make it clear, because it will be revealed by fire. And the fire will test what kind of work each has done.