Proverbs 27:17

Proverbs 27:17

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

The Bible gives wise instruction on the topic of friendship because God knows how important it is to walk through life with a good friend by our side. God’s Word describes a good friend as someone who is loving, loyal, generous, sympathetic, and always ready to offer grace. However, it also mentions the importance of friends who will gently confront and challenge each other—a not-so-pleasant task. An important question to ask yourself before you “sharpen” another is, Am I challenging this person because I want them to become more like Christ or because what they are doing is bothering me? To be on the receiving end of the sharpening is also difficult. Pray that God would open your heart to receive loving critique in order to refine your character and help you become more like Jesus.