Iron Sharpens Iron
Hey everyone!
Quick question: Do you have friends? Yes, friends.
How would you answer that? Yes? No? Maybe?
If you answer ‘Yes’: Good for you! You win nothing.
If you answer ‘No’: How come?
If you answer ‘Maybe’: What’s going on?
The point I’m trying to make is that we all need connection and community. It’s a human need.
It’s also biblical.
A popular verse that revolves around friendship is:
“As iron sharpens iron, so a man sharpens the countenance of his friend.”
(Proverbs 27:17 NKJV)
But what does this second part (or dependent clause, for my grammar nerds) mean?
“…So a man sharpens the countenance of his friend?”
According to my favorite Bible-breakdown resource, Enduring Word, created by Pastor David Guzik, he interprets it as,
“A man can be used to sharpen (improve and develop) his friend, but it may happen through a bit of friction and sparks. We shouldn’t be afraid of the friction that leads to godly sharpening.”
Now, let’s go deeper into the verse.
The definition of ‘countenance’ is, well, a lot.
Look, Expression.
Face, Visage.
Bearing or expression that offers approval or sanction: moral support.
*Blue Letter Bible says the same thing BLB nerds ;)
Interesting, isn’t it?
If we put it all together, the verse now reads:
“As iron sharpens iron, so a man sharpens the [look, face, and/or bearing] of his friend.”
But can a human being have such a profound effect on another to alter the entire appearance, or in other words, the total mental state of that person?
Well, doesn’t scripture say in Genesis 1:27 (NIV):
“So God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them.”
Think about it. To sharpen something means that it must be continuously worked on and improved upon, just like Pastor Guzik explained above.
So, doesn’t scripture also say in Isaiah 64:8 (NIV):
“Yet you, Lord, are our Father.
We are the clay, you are the potter;
We are all the work of your hand.”
Who else can mold us or create something new in us? God!!!
This scripture in Proverbs goes beyond human friendship; it points to our original heavenly friend, the one who's always there for us no matter what: God.
So now the verse reads:
“As iron sharpens iron, so the Lord sharpens our overall appearance (mental, physical) to become like Him.”
Need more proof?
“…In this world, we are like Jesus.” (1 John 4:17 NIV)
“Take up your cross and follow me?” (Matthew 16:24-26 NIV)
“You are my friends if you do what I command?” (John 15:14 NIV)
“I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master’s business?” (John 15:15 NIV)
“Coming out of his mouth is a sharp sword with which to strike down the nations???” (Rev. 19:15 NIV)
Sorry, at this point, the verses are coming out, and all I can do is try to keep up. Thanks, Holy Spirit!!
Anyways, the scripture points to Jesus as being our true friend. The One who always sharpens us.
(Jesus=God=Holy Spirit)
Cool, Huh?
If this post absolutely blew you’re mind, share it with a friend! Let’s connect on Instagram: @Beniezol, Contact me here: TheHunger4Christ.com
