Rather, the proverb ​ — as well as Paul’s similar words to the Romans — ​ seems to refer to an ancient method used for smelting metal ores.
بَلْ عَلَى ٱلْعَكْسِ ،‏ تُشِيرُ ٱلْكَلِمَاتُ فِي ٱلْأَمْثَالِ —‏ وَكَذلِكَ كَلِمَاتُ بُولُسَ فِي رُومَا —‏ إِلَى طَرِيقَةٍ ٱتُّبِعَتْ قَدِيمًا لِتَنْقِيَةِ ٱلْمَعَادِنِ .‏