Trial
Trial a term used in Scripture only in the sense of testing (usually some form of בָּחִן, δοκιμή or δοκίμιον; but once מִסָּה, Job 9:23, elsewhere "temptation" [q.v. ]; and so πεῖρα, Heb 11:36; πύρωσις, "fiery trial," 1Pe 4:12, lit. burning, as elsewhere rendered), to denote painful circumstances into which persons are brought by divine Providence with a view to illustrate the perfections of God, bring to light the real character of those who are thus tried, and by the influence of temporal suffering, which shows the transitory nature and uncertain tenure of all earthly advantages, to promote their eternal and spiritual interests. SEE TEMPT.
