Calling out sin, encouraging each other, and lifting one another up in prayer are all ways of sharpening one another. It is also in alignment with philosophies of behavior encouraged in the New Testament “Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing” ( 1 Thessalonians 5:11). An honest acquaintance will lovingly address when someone they care about is doing something wrong or struggling with a decision. Faithful are the wounds of a friend profuse are the kisses of an enemy” ( Proverbs 27:5-6). Earlier verses in the chapter reflect this idea, “Better is open rebuke than hidden love. Being in the presence of a strong believer can help refine another person. Most scholars and theologians interpret this changing as a refinement of character. Like a piece of hard iron will sharpen another piece of iron, the interactions between two people will shape and change one another. The second half of the verse explains the metaphor. The metaphor in the first half of the verse refers to a common practice with which many would have been familiar. When iron is scraped against another material in this way, it becomes more refined. A tool would have been sharpened, ground against something harder, to make it smoother, remove deformities, and maintain its ability to cut. It was also not necessarily consistent in how hard or soft it was. It would not have been a highly refined version of metal, like steel. Without this maintenance, a blade will become dull and less useful.ĭuring the life of Solomon, many weapons, pieces of armor, and tools were made of iron. When creating a metal blade, it is often sharpened, and then maintained through its life, by dragging it against a harder metal. In the middle of these verses is, “iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another.” However, the back half is sometimes given as, ‘.sharpens the face of another.’ Like many of the Proverbs, it uses metaphor to make its point. “Sheol and Abaddon are never satisfied, and never satisfied are the eyes of man” ( Proverbs 27:20). “As in water face reflects face, so the heart of man reflects the man” ( Proverbs 27:19). “Better is open rebuke than hidden love” ( Proverbs 27:5).
“Let another praise you and not your own mouth a stranger, and not your own lips” ( Proverbs 27:2).
#Iron sharpens iron bible study full#
The verses in Proverbs are full of advice, many of which are about positive and negative interactions and behaviors. Solomon’s reign was around 970-931 BC, while Hezekiah’s was from 715-686 BC, two centuries later. It is grouped with several other chapters which are labelled as having been written by King Solomon, the son of David and the builder of the temple, copied later by men who worked for King Hezekiah of Judah. Proverbs 27 falls towards the end of the book, as there are 31 chapters. What Is the Context Around Proverbs 27:17? Most Christians thinkers believe this statement regarding iron sharpening iron relates to having a good friend, honesty that improves one’s character and calls out sin in a loving way though there are some who believe it refers to someone who brings down another, and argue it is a negative statement.Įither way, the phrase "iron sharpens iron" from Proverbs 27:17 highlights the important truth that people affect one another, words and actions define relationships for better or worse, and they change people, so people need to act accordingly. I hope and pray this Bible study journal is a valuable resource to you.Sometimes these metaphoric statements can be difficult to understand, especially when they are taken out of context. Even with all this it isn't too thick to carry around, perfect for the glove box, saddle bag, backpack, bike pack and wherever else you can think of storing a book. This MEN’S BIBLE STUDY JOURNAL includes 24 Journal Entries, with Date, Verse(s) box, Illustration box, and Application Sections.
This journal is a valuable bible study aid and companion resource for whatever you're are studying at the time. Also makes a great GIFT for a Dad, Son, Brother or Brother in the Lord. Writing in a journal (journaling) can also be another way of carrying on a conversation with God as you hear His voice while reading and studying.This MEN’S BIBLE STUDY JOURNAL, is the perfect size for on the go, along with your bible in your quiet study place or right in your library. Iron sharpens iron So a man sharpens his friend's countenance.Proverbs 27:17 It’s a proven fact that not only reading but writing down your thoughts about the scriptures will help you retain more of what you have read and studied. Daily bible study is like looking into a mirror and gives us discernment about the issues of life and what others may be going through that will give us wise counsel. The following verse demonstrates that as men we need one another to be sharpened.
0 kommentar(er)
