Sharpened by Iron
Louise, a project manager, regretted taking on the freelance job. Both the client and designer were testing her patience. Why is it so difficult? she wondered. Why can’t these people get it together?
Weeks later, as she read Proverbs 27, verse 17 stood out—“iron sharpens iron.” “You can’t file down rough edges with something soft, like silk,” she told her small group soon after. “You need something hard, like iron.”
Louise realized that the challenges in the project were smoothing down some rough edges of her own. She was learning to be more patient and humble, and to adapt to different working styles. God, she concluded, was using the project to expose her flaws and teach her new lessons about working with others.
Much of the book of Proverbs extols the value of godly wisdom, but this wisdom doesn’t come easily. It needs to be sought after with obedience and discernment (3:13; 13:20; 19:20), and refined in crucibles and furnaces, with mortars and pestles (27:21-22)—situations that may mean temporary pain and suffering.
Yet the Bible reminds us that challenges come with rewards: In seeking God’s wisdom diligently and obeying His ways, we’ll find true security, satisfaction, and blessing (vv. 26-27).
By Leslie Koh - Bread Ministries
Proverbs 27:17-27
17As iron sharpens iron,
so one person sharpens another.
18The one who guards a fig tree will eat its fruit,
and whoever protects their master will be honored.
19As water reflects the face,
so one’s life reflects the heart.
20Death and Destruction are never satisfied,
and neither are human eyes.
21The crucible for silver and the furnace for gold,
but people are tested by their praise.
22Though you grind a fool in a mortar,
grinding them like grain with a pestle,
you will not remove their folly from them.
23Be sure you know the condition of your flocks,
give careful attention to your herds;
24for riches do not endure forever,
and a crown is not secure for all generations.
25When the hay is removed and new growth appears
and the grass from the hills is gathered in,
26the lambs will provide you with clothing,
and the goats with the price of a field.
27You will have plenty of goats’ milk to feed your family
and to nourish your female servants.
