Begin with two minutes of stillness and silence before God.
You've likely heard or even quoted this familiar proverb, "As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another" (v. 17). It's a powerful reminder that we need Christ-followers in our lives who challenge us, hold us accountable, and refine us, and other Christians need us too!
While I understand the general idea of this verse, I must admit that I've often read it as a simple saying without fully comprehending the intense process it actually describes. This time, I felt a nudge to be curious and took a break to research the sharpening process.
Sharpening requires heat and pressure. To sharpen one piece of iron, you rub it against another piece of iron (or a sharpening stone). This friction causes the dull edges of the tool or weapon to become sharp and effective again. Other terms used to describe this process included "grinding," "filing," "polishing," and "hammering to strengthen it." These descriptions transformed my understanding of the verse entirely.
As I reflected on the verse and the sharpening process, I came to three key takeaways:
Friction, not flattery, sharpens. Earlier in this chapter (vs. 5-7), we read, "Better an open reprimand than concealed love. The wounds of a friend are trustworthy, but the kisses of an enemy are excessive." This must be what iron sharpening iron often looks and feels like: open rebuke, genuine, honest feedback, and sometimes even friction between friends.
Sharpening words are far more valuable than silence, even when it feels abrasive. It may be wounding, but it comes from a trustworthy friend because genuine correction over insincere praise sharpens, strengthens, and refines.
Sharpening is a strategic act, a purposeful endeavor to enhance the strength of something (or someone). Consider the earlier description, "hammering to strengthen." When our words are used carelessly, even when truthful, we weaken the spirit and the relationship. We cause more harm than good. However, when we speak truthfully, intentionally, and lovingly, we strengthen one another, helping each other to know, love, and follow Jesus more deeply.
When you find yourself in the position of the sharpening stone (the one bringing heat and pressure), consider these three strategic guidelines for sharpening: tone, tact, and timing. If you've spent time with the wise Byron Malone or anyone else who's spent time with Byron Malone, you've likely heard these three words! They are a foundation for ensuring truthful and necessary words are spoken strategically and lovingly.
Sharpening may be uncomfortable, but it is essential. It is unpleasant to be the sharpening stone, but we must walk together in spirit and truth as a faith community. It is also uncomfortable to be sharpened, but as we learned yesterday, we must remain teachable. We must allow the heat and pressure to help us grow spiritually!
At times, you will be the sharpening stone; other times, you'll be the stone needing sharpening. In either position, how will you respond?
Prayer: Father, teach me to live wisely today. Help me cherish people who sharpen me and welcome correction with humility. Give me courage, love, and humility when you call me to speak truth to others. 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.