What does God test?

Deuteronomy 8:2“Remember how the Lord your God led you through the wilderness for these forty years, humbling you and testing you to prove your character, and to find out whether or not you would obey his commands.”

Deuteronomy 8:16“He [the Lord] fed you with manna in the wilderness, a food unknown to your ancestors. He did this to humble you and test you for your own good.”

Deuteronomy 13:1-5“Suppose there are prophets among you or those who dream dreams about the future, and they promise you signs or miracles, and the predicted signs or miracles occur. If they then say, ‘Come, let us worship other gods’—gods you have not known before—do not listen to them. The Lord your God is testing you to see if you truly love him with all your heart and soul. Serve only the Lord your God and fear him alone. Obey his commands, listen to his voice, and cling to him.”

God is testing our character, our commitment to his truth, and our obedience and love for him.

1 Chronicles 29:17“I know, my God, that you examine our hearts and rejoice when you find integrity there. You know I have done all this with good motives, and I have watched your people offer their gifts willingly and joyously.”

Psalm 11:5The Lord examines both the righteous and the wicked. He hates those who love violence.

Psalm 17:3You have tested my thoughts and examined my heart in the night. You have scrutinized me and found nothing wrong. I am determined not to sin in what I say.

Psalm 26:1-3Declare me innocent, O Lord, for I have acted with integrity; I have trusted in the Lord without wavering. Put me on trial, Lord, and cross-examine me. Test my motives and my heart. For I am always aware of your unfailing love, and I have lived according to your truth.

Psalm 139:23Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts.

Proverbs 17:3Fire tests the purity of silver and gold, but the Lord tests the heart.

Jeremiah 17:10“But I, the Lord, search all hearts and examine secret motives. I give all people their due rewards, according to what their actions deserve.”

Jeremiah 20:12O Lord of Heaven’s Armies, you test those who are righteous, and you examine the deepest thoughts and secrets. Let me see your vengeance against them, for I have committed my cause to you.

God tests every human heart—every thought, every motive, and every affection.