As we begin our new class this morning, I will start writing an article on each lesson to serve as a supplement to what we cover in the class.
The text of Proverbs 27:17 states, “As iron sharpens iron, so a man sharpens the countenance of his friend.” This is the reading of the NKJ translation. The RSV puts it this way, “Iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another.” The Amplified Bible (a translation and commentary in one) gets the general idea correct here in stating the obvious, “As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens [and influences] another [through discussion].”
The thought of the wise man is that we are influences upon one another. This influence matters more to us if we have a close relationship. The influence becomes a good influence (sharpening us) if our close relationship is based upon principles of righteousness. This is one of the reasons God established in His pattern local congregations of believers. Congregations are designed to worship Him, and to build up each other. “Till we all come to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a perfect man, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ” (Ephesians 4:13).
This means to get the full benefits of your faith (both in growth and reward) you have to be involved in the lives of your brothers and sisters. Your growth and benefit is found not only in how you are helped by others, but by your own efforts on their behalf. Consider the following from Paul’s pen as he expressed thanks for the gifts given him by the Philippian congregation, “Not that I seek the gift, but I seek the fruit that abounds to your account. Indeed I have all and abound. I am full, having received from Epaphroditus the things sent from you, a sweet-smelling aroma, an acceptable sacrifice, well pleasing to God. And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:17-19).
Proverbs 27:17 shows that we are all equals, a fact that is established clearly in the New Testament (cf. Galatians 3:28; Matthew 23:11; Matthew 22:25-27).
The illustration of iron sharpening iron is very clear in revealing these truths. Iron was very important during Bible times, as the forging of iron allowed for better tools and weapons to be used. But these strong, hard implements would dull and need sharpening. It took iron to sharpen iron as the pieces met to hone edges needed for effective use.
It is in this we find our lesson. We are tools used by the Master. “And do not present your members as instruments of unrighteousness to sin, but present yourselves to God as being alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness to God” (Romans 6:13). It is important that we remain sharp and effective in sharing the message of God through words and influence. But, like a knife, our edge can be dulled in many ways, rendering us less effective. This is why we need one another. This is why Paul “tried to join the disciples” in Jerusalem (Acts 9:27). And when he was accepted, we are told “he was with them at Jerusalem, coming in and going out. And he spoke boldly in the name of the Lord Jesus…” (28-29).
Using a different illustration, Paul wrote, “Now you are the body of Christ, and members individually” (1 Corinthians 12:27). There is an entire text there (verses 14-25) that shows us God intends for all of us to be of use to Him. As Paul put it, “If the whole body were an eye, where would be the hearing? If the whole were hearing, where would be the smelling? But God has set the members, each one of them, in the body just has He pleased” (17-18). God designed it this way for us to sharpen one another. We can even be of help to those who are more spiritually mature than we are! “No, much rather, those members of the body which seem to be weaker are necessary” (22).
Continuing the thought, we are also weapons as we wage warfare against the devil and his influences. We are soldiers (2 Timothy 2:13-14), wearing the armor Christ has supplied (Ephesians 6:10-17). In fact, the offensive weapon we use in this battle against evil is sharp and effective! “And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God” (17, cf. Hebrews 4:12).
In this we can see the responsibility to be on the receiving end of “iron sharpens iron.” Love dictates that we also be the instrument God uses to sharpen our brethren. This is important to us individually, and is important to us collectively as a congregation as well. We certainly do not want to lose our candlestick! (cf. Revelation 3:15-16).
Ask these questions of yourself. Am I?… Am I keeping myself sharp so I may fulfill my duties to God? Am I doing my best to be an implement of sharpening to benefit my brothers and sisters in Christ? If not, why not? And how may I do a better job of serving my God and my brethren?
Remember that no matter who you are, you have equal value, and work to do in the kingdom. (Ephesians 4:16). So, let’s get to work sharpening one another!
