Iron Sharpens Iron

“Iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another.”
Proverbs 27:17 ESV

We, as people made in the image of God, have an effect on one another. What we say and what we do matters, especially in our daily interactions with each other. Most Christians know this verse and have a general understanding that “iron sharpening iron” refers to the positive growth and development that results from one person influencing another person. After all, iron tools are made to be sharp and fit for use through the process of rubbing up against a file, or in this case, some other iron.

God intends for us to be sharp and fit for use as well. In fact, God’s purpose for His people is to make us useful for His Kingdom, according to His own good will and pleasure. One of the primary ways that God accomplishes this is through personal discipleship. We know from Scripture that God’s will for His people is their sanctification (1 Thessalonians 4:3). To be sanctified means to become more like Jesus, living in obedience to God and reflecting His character. Our sanctification has an immense impact on those around us. We make others wiser and refined, just as we become wiser and refined by those around us. As we pursue Christ, we encourage others to pursue Him as well. As we live in obedience to Christ, we spur other Christians around us to do the same. However, if we do not surround ourselves with those who are wise, we may be allowing ourselves to be influenced by the foolishness and ungodliness of this world. Consider Proverbs 13:20: “Walk with the wise and become wise, for a companion of fools suffers harm,” or even Proverbs 12:26: “One who is righteous is a guide to his neighbor, but the way of the wicked leads them astray.” Discipleship is a two way street, and we reap what we sow. Therefore, let us learn from this proverb today by pursuing Christ-like discipleship and to live and surround ourselves in such a way that promotes our sanctification.