How To Be a Friend Sharpener

REFERENCE:  Proverbs 27:17 As iron sharpens iron, so a friend sharpens a friend.

Observation: The metaphor the author uses here suggests three important truths. First, that our friendships are for more than our mutual encouragement and enjoyment, they are supposed to help with the work of perfection that God is always up to in us.

Secondly, in the image of iron striking iron, we see that it is not always a peaceful, conflict-free process. We should not imagine that each conflict we have with our dear friends is a terrible thing. In fact, conflict, mixed with brotherly love, can produce maturity, if we let it. The question is whether all we will do is spark of if we will allow the conflict to achieve it’s total purpose and sharpen us as people. In other words, will we listen to the criticism of a friend or just react, ignore and deny.

Thirdly, it suggests that we have to be willing to enter the fray. If we see our friend needs sharpening, we will, with prayer, speaking the truth in love, let them know what we are concerned about. It is the most profound form of friendship that we would risk rejection in order to help our companion become a better person. Anything less is being less of a friend than we should be.