12-12-07 Proverbs 27:17

Proverbs 27:17 (NAS)
Iron sharpens iron, So one man sharpens another.

Proverbs 27:17 (NLT)
As iron sharpens iron, a friend sharpens a friend.

If you have ever had to sharpen an axe or a knife, you know that the one of best ways to do so is to rub the edge of the blade against another iron or steel file. Even though both are made from the same substance, the file is able to even out the edges of the axe and take away any thickness that would impede the axe from performing as it was designed to do. The file removes part of the axe blade, but in the process, it makes it a better tool.

Friends can do the same for you, as the file does for the axe. Friends sometimes can see things in you that you do not recognize in yourself, things that need to be changed to make you better. A true companion and friend is able to face you and not fear telling you that you need to turn towards or turn away from something. He can clearly see, at times, what will or will not benefit your life. In this way, if you heed his advice, you will become sharper, keener, and able to discern more clearly.

Therefore, do not despise the friend that tries to file off your rough edges. He is only trying to make you a better person, a believer who is wholly conformed to the image of Christ.