“Iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another.” Proverbs 27:17
Devotional Thought For The Day
It is somewhat of a tiresome and boring task, sharpening blades on the various implements we use for cutting, chopping, and sawing. Though we often use “grinders” on larger blades, and whetstones for sharpening smaller blades, metal files are also used for many sharpening jobs, including knives and chainsaws. It is a bit tedious, and requires some experience to get a sharp and lasting edge, but it sure makes a lot of jobs a whole lot easier when the blade we are using is sharp. Iron does indeed sharpen iron.
The comparison made is in regard to the benefits of men working together, conversing, sharing wisdom, teaching skills, encouraging one another, competing, and strengthening each other. I’m certain that similar growth occurs in relationships between women – though the dynamics are perhaps not as abrasive. Perhaps such growth also takes place in relationships between men and women – but the dynamics are almost certainly different. There is just something about the relationships men have, so long as we are certain of friendship, mutual respect, and genuine love, that enables us to press and push each other to greater “sharpness” of character. This prevails where men are of good will and good character; rubbing shoulders with men of low character can also have effects, negative effects. And enemies can certainly “dull” us, and even put chinks in our blades. Women, I think, tend more to cutting.
God also has a “sharpening” effect on our character. First, in the discipline He provides to make us aware of our sin and our need for His gracious forgiveness. Second, He tempers and strengthens us in the many assurances that He has given us in His Word – and in the Person of His Son, our Lord Jesus Christ – of His full and complete forgiveness and pardon. Third, in the wise instruction He provides for us in His Word, which enables us to grow in decency, goodness, and love. Finally, in the many trials and tribulations that we must pass through in this life God provides us with endurance, character, and hope. [Rom. 5:1-5] While this “sharpening” takes place by means of God’s Word, the Holy Scripture, He often provides the honing we need through our relationships with other people. For men, it is the mentoring of other men.
Manly fathers sharpen their sons, brothers sharpen one another, friends and competitors sharpen one another – all within proper, decent, relationships of good will. As we have benefited from the sharpening of others, so we should consider how we might best sharpen those we are privileged to befriend, nurture, and mentor. The “lone ranger” is not the best model for men [even the Lone Ranger had Tonto], nor the healthiest – it is in fact the weakest and most pathetic. Men should not be left alone, bereft of the company of other men. And virtuous men have an obligation to hone and sharpen other men, an obligation of love and gratitude to God. [Luke 12:48] Obviously, much of this should prevail within Christian congregations – if men will insist upon being present, and not allow themselves to be pushed out of leadership. Lord, have mercy, and grant us this sharpening.
Prayer For The Day
Dear Lord Jesus, help us to see in You and in Your relationships with Your disciples how we are to hone and sharpen one another. Continue Your work of nurturing us in repentance, faith, and love, and bless us both to will and to provide such nurturing and sharpening for others. Grant the blessing of godly and manly men taking their rightful and proper place within the church. Amen.