Prov 27.17
Since the image of the scythe being sharpened is part of the Proverbs theme, taken from Prov 27.17, let’s look at this great piece of God’s wisdom as we begin in Proverbs. Remember, Proverbs are God’s gems. They call for our examination (of the Proverb and ourselves!), meditation (which means you need to “turn off” the TV, radio, video game, computer, and think!), discussion (talk about what you’re learning with someone, it’s great for learning!), and most of all, application so we can walk more in the ways of God’s wisdom.
(One of the best ways to examine a Proverb is to write it out in its parallelism.)
Prov 27.17
Parallelism Examined |
|
Prov 27.17a |
Prov 27.17b |
|
Iron |
man |
|
sharpens |
sharpens |
|
iron |
another (literally the “face of his friend,” very personal) |
First, look at the parts, what do you think of regarding:
Iron? Strong, yet it’s shapeable!
Sharpen? Takes extended contact, not necessarily heavy contact, but it implies pressure. It takes time. It prepares for work ahead. It repairs damage sustained. It’s very much part of care and restoration of a level of usefulness.
Man? It’s “in the face of,” very personal. “Another” is used in Lev 19.18 for our “neighbor.” This is someone in relationship with us. As noted, it’s personal, touching our character, nature, habits, works, choices.
References To Consider
Prov 18.24; Prov 17.17; Prov 27.6, this is verbal correction, exhortation, reproof. Be certain to humble yourself to receive God’s wisdom from a friend!; Prov 29.5, to “flatter” is to make smooth and slippery!; 1 Kings 1.6, David was not a “friend” of his son and it cost him his life!; Prov 28.23, Don’t miss that the work of a friend is often delayed, yet “in the end” greater blessing comes!; Prov 27.9, like the sweet odor difuses, so others enjoy it, is the blessing of a true friend who sharpens your life!
Ask, Who Has Sharpened You Already?
Write down some people who’ve “sharpened” you and thank the Lord for them! E.g., parents, friends, relatives, teachers, coaches, neighbors, spiritual leaders. Now, ask the Lord for a brother to sharpen your life today!
Make Some Choices For Your Own Life Today
What keeps this from happening in your life? Could it be pride, fear, self-protection? Maybe it’s no experience with a “friend”? Take the steps to reach out, trusting the Lord. Seek others for a “coffee” or a lunch and see what develops. Allow yourself to be sought out by others. Remember, in sharpening, “both” are affected in the process!
For futher reading:
“As Iron Sharpens Iron,” Howard Hendricks, William Hendricks (Chicago, IL: Moody Press, 1995).
“Connecting,” Paul D. Stanley, J. Robert Clinton (Colorado Springs, CO: NavPress, 1992).
Prov 27.17