Second Blog - Forward

IRON SHARPENS IRON A FAMILIAR CONCEPT

Iron sharpens iron is the subject of many Christian websites, podcasts and accountability groups. In fact there are sites with the title for leadership in business and gyms in the secular market. Iron sharpens iron is found in all the translations of the Bible.

Iron sharpening iron was an ancient technique employed to put an edge on iron to sharpen it. While in modern times better techniques have been developed to put an edge on iron, the concept remains the same. Iron still needs to be sharpened to be useful. 

When I was a young boy, I used to watch my grandfather who was a master barber put an edge on his strait razors by using an oil stone and a strop. By doing this he gave the best shave in town. A good shave could last a few days before having to shave again. He also sharpened anything that needed a cutting edge in the house like; knives, scissors, and axes. For knives and axes he used a whetstone and to maintain the sharpness he used a honing steel. The end result was always perfect slices turkey and roast beef. It still makes my mouth water just thinking about it.

When reading Proverbs chapter 27 verse 17 in the NKJV it says "As iron sharpens iron, so a man sharpens the countenance of his friend." Most translations omit the word "countenance". I've always wondered why as it adds so much to the verse. As we read this verse there are four words that need understanding. We've addressed iron and sharpen so let look at the other two; countenance and friend. I think you will find these two words more complex but very interesting. 

The word countenance as used in this verse fefers to favor, goodwill and kindness. The definition is opposite that we see in Genesis 6 which refers to an expression of anger, displeasure and refusal which led to sin (murder).

The word friend as used in this verse refers to a male person whose friendship is loving to another male person at all times like that of David and Johnathan in 1 Samuel 18:1. 

In Proverbs Chapter 27, it is important to note the word friend is used six times, and not always as a positive statement.

Let's classify these uses:    Advisory    Warning    Positive

• 27:6  "Faithful are the wounds* of a friend; but the kisses of an enemy are deceitful. "
• 27:9 "Ointment and perfume rejoice the heart: so do the the sweetness of a man's friend by hearty counsel."
• 27:10 "Thine own friend, and thy father's friend, forsake not; neither go into thy brothers house in the day of calamity: for better is a neighbor that is near than a brother far off.
• 27:14 "He that blesseth his friend with a loud voice, rising early in the morning, it shall be counted a curse to him."
• 27:17 "Iron sharpeneth iron; so a man sharpeneth the countenance of his (6) friend."

* The word wound in this verse is a rebuke, emotional hurt, or blow

Yahweh created us for His glory. He also created us for relationship and community. He wants us as Christians to do life together and grow (Acts 2:42). That’s why He created the church (body). He expects those within His church to love, encourage and hold one another accountable. Without love and unity in spirit we cannot give Him true worship, honor and glory.

How do we do this? We do this by praying, gathering together to discuss the things we face, the blessings we’ve received, the joys in our lives and encouraging each other in our walk. Sometimes just knowing that we are not alone in what we are facing makes us feel stronger and more able to endure. Only by doing this can you and I take the focus off us personally and by putting it on one another achieve loving each other as God commands us. (1 John 3:23).

As believers, followers and lovers of Jesus Christ we are to go into the world and share His love with the lost. Christians should have good likeminded friends that can help keep us sharp in that mission. Working together is essential to accomplish the Great Commission (Matthew 28:19) in spreading the good news about our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. “Two are better than one, because they have good reward for their labour.” (Ecclesiastes 4:9). The meaning is clear when we work together more is achieved. 

The body of Christ can be compared to a colony of ants or hive of honey bees working together to accomplish much more. Working together results in achieving much more. It's just a plain fact of life.  

As you can see studying and considering God's word involves a process, a process that ultimately sharpens us for the better. 

See you in a few days.