"Man's Good Counsel"
As iron sharpens iron,
So a man can help you;
Sharpening others
Excellence pursue.
He who tends a fig tree
Will eat of its fruit.
Care for a master
Brings honor's salute.
As water will reflect
A man's face, so true,
So will a man's heart
Reflect his virtue.
Neither death nor destruction
Can be satisfied.
Neither can man's eyes
Be content and abide.
The cauldron for silver,
The furnace for gold.
But man is tested
By the words that he's told.
(Based on Proverbs 27)
As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another. What exactly does that mean? Can iron actually sharpen iron? Let’s look at how we sharpen knives or scissors. Some methods use a sharpening stone or a sewing pin, both made of iron. When they impact each other’s edges or surfaces, it causes friction. When two iron surfaces rub against each other, the hard surface can wear down and change the softer one and allow it to become sharper to be what it was made to be.
In the same way, individuals improve themselves through interaction with others who challenge them. People grow stronger and their character grows. The process of iron used to sharpen another iron is true with men and women who challenge each other. People improve and refine each other through interaction and challenges. We all need improvement through the counsel of others.
You cannot file down rough edges with something soft. You need friends who encourage you to be the best you can be. Pray that God will work through others to shape and mold us every day.
