God washes and scours, trains and nurtures them!

(The Preacher's Book)

Frankincense, when it is put into the fire - gives off the greater perfume.

Spice, if it is pounded and beaten - smells the sweeter.

The earth, when it is torn up with the plough - becomes more fruitful.

The seed in the ground, after frost and snow and winter storms - grows the thicker.

The nearer the vine is pruned to the stock - the larger grapes it yields.

The grape, when it is most pressed and beaten - makes the sweetest wine.

Linen, when it is washed and wrung and beaten - is so made fairer and whiter.

In the same way, the children of God receive great benefit by affliction - for by it God washes and scours, trains and nurtures them.

"Every branch that bears fruit He prunes, that it may bear more fruit!" John 15:2