Proverbs 27:17 - Printer Friendly

ESV: Iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another.

NIV: As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.

NASB: As iron sharpens iron, So one person sharpens another.

CSB: Iron sharpens iron, and one person sharpens another.

NLT: As iron sharpens iron, so a friend sharpens a friend.

KJV: Iron sharpeneth iron; so a man sharpeneth the countenance of his friend.

NKJV: As iron sharpens iron, So a man sharpens the countenance of his friend.

A common method to sharpen steel, or iron, is to use a similar piece of metal. When the two scrape against each other, both pieces are shaped and rough spots are removed. Similarly, two people can interact and help refine each other. Other proverbs note the importance of hearing other people's views (Proverbs 11:14; 18:17; 27:9). Of particular importance is that this lesson implies a constructive level of conflict: the two pieces don't become sharper unless they bump into each other (Proverbs 27:6)! Fellow believers who never challenge or question one another are liable to remain dull.

Numerous biblical examples show the learning value present in relationships. Jesus may have sent His disciples out two by two because each one would sharpen the other's testimony. Mentoring is also a good example of one Christian improving the spiritual life of the other. The apostle Paul mentored the younger Timothy. Furthermore, he encouraged Timothy to mentor others. He writes in 2 Timothy 2:2: "What you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses entrust to faithful men, who will be able to teach others also." David and Jonathan are a good example of two men who improved each other's lives. Friendship can help two people enjoy a stronger faith and a buoyant spirit. Friends can encourage each other, laugh together, sympathize together, and pray together.

It is crucially important to carefully choose who we "brush up against." A good friend can lead us to self-improvement and greater godliness (Proverbs 12:5; 15:22; 17:17). Ungodly people are likely to lead us towards sin and disaster (Proverbs 13:20; 22:24–25; 23:20).

Wise sayings from this chapter warn about overconfidence and bragging. Solomon also encourages positive friendships and the wisdom they provide. He offers several notes about self-examination and the need for personal accountability. Many of the proverbs in this passage touch on the concept of speaking truth in love, even if it's not what the other person would like to hear. The end of the chapter uses the example of livestock to make a point about good stewardship.

This continues a collection of approximately one hundred proverbs associated with Solomon. King Hezekiah's men, probably his scribes, copied these from other scrolls (Proverbs 25:1). This chapter includes references to overconfidence, the value of friendships, and the importance of good stewardship. The assembly of Solomon's wise teachings continues through the end of chapter 29.

Proverbs is best understood in context with the books of Ecclesiastes and Job. In Proverbs, “wisdom” is given in short, simple, general terms. Ecclesiastes represents wisdom based on observation and experience. This often shows how the general principles of the book of Proverbs don’t apply in absolutely every circumstance. Job represents wisdom based on the experience of suffering and injustice. All three come to the conclusion that God does indeed know best, and the most sensible course of action is to follow His will.