So a man sharpeneth the countenance of his friend. The proverb deals with the influence which men have upon one another. "ferrum ferro hiluratur, et vir exhilarat vultum sodalis sui", Schultens. (i) "laetatur", a "laetari ferrum in ferro laetatur, et virum laetificant ora socii ejus", Gussetius, p. Some render the words, "as iron delighteth in iron, so a man rejoiceth the countenance of his friend", (i): by his company and conversation. So Jarchi and Gersom understand it of the sharpening of men's minds to the learning of doctrine but Aben Ezra, takes it in an ill sense, that as iron strikes iron and sharpens it, so a wrathful man irritates and provokes wrath in another.
So a man sharpeneth the countenance of his friend by conversation with him thus learned men sharpen one another's minds, and excite each other to learned studies Christians sharpen one another's graces, or stir up each other to the exercise of them, and the gifts which are bestowed on them, and to love and to good works. A sword or knife made of iron is sharpened by it so butchers sharpen their knives Of course, for those of us serving in law enforcement or combat roles, this sharpening is a matter of life and death (and the bonds of brotherhood forged there last a lifetime).Gill's Exposition of the Entire BibleIron sharpeneth iron. A truly constructive friend is faithful over time to offer his criticism and instruction, and he does not give up the first time his friend does not heed his advice.
Instead, people sharpen one another over time, through years of friendship and going through tough times together. One man does not sharpen another with just one speech or dialogue, though words spoken in the right season can go quite far in helping improve another person. Thus, the proverb is underscoring the importance of persistence in friendship. Persistent, careful striking or pressure of the tool against the sharpener or anvil was required, and the process lasted longer than a matter of seconds. Giving a tool or weapon the desired sharpness took time in the ancient world where there were no electric whetstones or other high tech sharpening devices. In fact, we should all be in discipleship relationships of one kind or another, and have at least one brother-in-Christ who will be truly honest in offering sound counsel (and, if need be, loving criticism) that will help us grow in our walk with Christ and as believers in general. When we do, we are like iron sharpening iron, honing one another to more effectively carry out our callings. The Body of Christ - true, born again believers - should be encouraging, exhorting and edifying (the 3-e's) one another. They are to do good to each other ( Galatians 6:10 ), bear each other's burdens ( Galatians 6:2 ), forgive each other ( Colossians 3:13 ), restore each other ( Galatians 6:1 James 5:19-20 ), submit to one another ( Ephesians 5:21 ), encourage each other ( 1 Thessalonians 5:11), admonish and exhort each other ( Colossians 3:16 Hebrews 3:13 ), pursue peace and mutual growth ( Romans 14:19 ), and stir one another on to love and good deeds ( Hebrews 10:24-25 ). The New Testament is replete with instructions concerning how believers should relate with one another. Moreover, the academy training process is designed to involve group pain and discomfort - with the goal of hammering and sharpening us into the razor sharp servant-warriors God has called us to be. As cops, we don't go through the academy alone and many police agencies still pair-up officers on the street. But woe to him who is alone when he falls and has not another to lift him up! Again, if two lie together, they keep warm, but how can one keep warm alone? And though a man might prevail against one who is alone, two will withstand him-a threefold cord is not quickly broken." While it was NEVER comfortable, those of us who understand being truly cold in battle or in military training have no problem using one another for warmth (ask any sailor who has made it through SEAL BUDS training, or the " Frozen Chosin" Marines in Korea). For if they fall, one will lift up his fellow. Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 is a similar passage: " Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their toil. Likewise, when believers are actively involved in one another's lives, mutual edification occurs - we "sharpen" one another. In the process, burrs and nicks are taken out as the blade becomes sharp and effective. Proverbs 27:17 says, " Iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another." The NLT reads, "As iron sharpens iron, so a friend sharpens a friend." Do you understand the meaning? When iron and steel blades are hammered or moved across one another, friction occurs and heat is produced.
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