Begin with two minutes of stillness and silence before God.

You’ve probably heard this familiar verse:

“As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another” Proverbs 27:17.

It’s a powerful reminder that we need Christ-followers in our lives who challenge, refine, and hold us accountable—and they need us too.

While I’ve understood the idea of this verse, I recently felt a nudge to dig deeper. I paused and looked into the sharpening process.

Sharpening involves heat and pressure. One piece of iron is rubbed against another (or against a sharpening stone), creating friction that reshapes dull edges into something effective. Words like grinding, filing, and hammering to strengthen helped me see this verse differently.

Here are three insights that stood out:

Friction, not flattery, sharpens.

Verses 5–7 echo this: 

"Better an open reprimand than concealed love. The wounds of a friend are trustworthy…”

Honest feedback may sting, but it strengthens.

Sharpening words are more valuable than silence.

Loving correction, even when it wounds, is far more helpful than flattery. It helps us grow, mature, and follow Jesus more deeply.

Sharpening is strategic.

Thoughtless truth can harm, but truth spoken with tone, tact, and timing can build up. Byron Malone often emphasizes these three words, and they’re essential when sharpening others.

At times, you’ll be the one sharpening. At others, you'll be the one being sharpened. Both roles require humility and love.

When you’re the sharpening stone—or the one being sharpened—how will you respond?

Prayer:

Father, help me live wisely. Teach me to welcome those who sharpen me, and to offer correction with love and grace when needed. Amen.

Take two minutes to reflect in silence.

Reflection:

Use the S.O.A.P. Method to study God’s Word.

• SCRIPTURE: What stands out to you in today’s passage?
• OBSERVATION: What is this text saying? What is the context? How does it fit with the verses before and after it? Are there any commands, instructions, or promises? 
• APPLICATION: How can you apply this verse to your life? What does this mean today? What is God saying to you? 
• PRAYER: Respond to the passage in prayer. Ask God to help you apply this truth to your life and spend some time listening to what He may be telling you.