The Necessity of Contact – Proverbs 27

“As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another.” – Proverbs 27:17

When I read this verse, I picture a blacksmith working in his forge, practicing his craft to produce useful and clever things like knives, tools, and cooking utensils. Of course, that is just the beginning of the story.

The action described in this verse happens later, after the tools have been dulled and damaged through use. Then, they are in need of sharpening – a painful and violent process.

To sharpen a tool, you expose it to a stronger tool that knocks off the rough edges and smooths out the chipped and dented surfaces. If tools could speak, this would not be pleasant.

When we think about Christians sharpening one another, the idea brings a new dimension of value to the idea of gathering together as the church. We are made sharper, and therefore more useful, as we interact, sharing our spaces and our stories.

Fair warning though, sparks may fly!

But if we refuse to obey the admonition to gather together (Hebrews 10:24-25), we might soon find ourselves so dull as to be unfit for the purpose we were made for.

“As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another.” – Proverbs 27:17

Get yourself to a good church and don’t be afraid to be found vulnerable. It’s how we remain humble and useful for God’s service.

That knife isn’t going to get any sharper sitting by itself in the drawer.

Please be sure to read the chapter of Proverbs from which this devotional is taken. The point of these posts is just to be an inspiration or reminder to dig into Proverbs for yourself. May God bless you and give you strength and wisdom to live your best life for him!