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What does it mean that iron sharpens iron?


Proverbs 27:17

ESV - 17 Iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another.



Shea S. Michael Houdmann Supporter Got Questions Ministries
The phrase "iron sharpens iron" is found in Proverbs 27:17: "As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another." There is mutual benefit in the rubbing of two iron blades together; the edges becom...

July 01 2013 0 responses Vote Up Share Report

27:17 As iron sharpens iron Close friends provide constructive criticism and accountability. Just as sharpening an iron blade makes it more effective, close friends sharpen one another’s character.

Proverbs 27:17. a man sharpeneth … friend —that is, conversation promotes intelligence, which the face exhibits.

Faithful friends and neighbors counsel and encourage each other. See Proverbs 27:9 NKJV. 

“Iron sharpening iron” is a Biblical image for Building Character (Prov. 27:27). 

What is it like when friends disagree? If we are not disagreeable, we can usually learn more by disagreeing than by giving in and refusing to say what we really think, “speaking the truth in love” (Eph. 4:15). 

I don't know what I'd do without the sharpening fellowship of my fellow guitar players at church, the accountability my wife and family require of me, and the editors and members of the ebible family--interaction with them!

February 24 2020 0 responses Vote Up Share Report

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