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In today’s Bible Study, we are going to study:
Iron Sharpens Iron
What Is the Meaning of “Iron Sharpens Iron” in Proverbs 27:17?
There is an interesting and perhaps convincing illustration of both friendship and accountability found in Proverbs 27:17, “Iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another” (NASB).
In Old Testament times, one iron blade was used to sharpen another blade until both became more effective tools.
This visual aid of a common implement of work or war provides a practical model for many human relationships.
We can see the connections to life and in that, this verse and the principles it contains becomes quite useful and life related.
Iron Sharpens Iron: A Principle of Relationship
The concept of “iron sharpening iron” obviously implies at least two pieces of iron.
It would be impossible for one tool to become sharper without the presence of the other.
Left alone, both blades would be dull and quite useless.
This simple Proverb illustrates an important biblical principle.
God expects us to live and serve in a community of other believers (see Hebrews 10:25), and He desires for us to build loving and growing relationships with others (see 1 Thessalonians 2:8).
The process of helping someone else improve their effectiveness absolutely requires a positive relationship.
Earlier in this same chapter (Proverbs 6:4) it says, “Faithful are the wounds of a friend, but deceitful are the kisses of an enemy.”
We know this concept to be true.
It is much better to accept Godly advice or even constructive criticism from someone we know, someone we love, and someone we know that cares about us, than it is from a stranger or simple acquaintance.
We want to know that the person giving us the counsel has our best interest at heart.
Friends may indeed “wound” us at times, but we can understand and appreciate their genuine motives.
Conversely, the “kisses” from enemies fall flat and we can imagine their devious hypocrisy.
That’s why it is so important for each of us to build growing relationships with others in life.
We all need people who can help us rub off the hard edges and who honestly have our best interests in mind when they do it.
There are times when these sharpening conversations, even from loving friends, can come across as harsh, mean, or judgmental.
But it definitely helps to know that these people care and that they have a genuine interest in helping us improve.
Iron Sharpens Iron: A Principle of Accountability
“Iron sharpening iron” also requires a level of accountability – or a personal inclination to allow significant others look close enough into our lives so that they can see the specific weaknesses or problems areas.
Accountability is not just simply asking another believer what Bible verse they read this morning in their devotional time.
That’s too easy; and it almost assumes the recipient of the question would be dishonest in an attempt to take the pressure off the examination.
Exchanges like this often are seen as trite and superficial.
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