Verse from Proverbs

“铁磨铁，磨得锋利；朋友互相切磋，才智也变得敏锐。”

箴言 27:17

“Iron sharpens iron, So one man sharpens another.”

Proverbs 27:17

King Solomon knew that life in community could be difficult, a theme he addressed in the book of Proverbs. In chapter 27, we see his wisdom applied to relationships. He likens the sharp words between friends as iron sharpening iron: “As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another” (v. 17), shaving off the rough edges in each other’s behavior. 

The process may bring about wounds, as this verse says “Faithful are the wounds of a friend, But deceitful are the kisses of an enemy.”

Proverbs 27:6, but ultimately the Lord can use these words to help and encourage us to make needed changes in our attitude and behavior. 

How might the Lord be smoothing out your rough edges for His glory?

Lord, 

this shaping process hurts, 

but I want to submit to the process. 

Mold me and smooth me.

The Lord allows our rough edges to be smoothed over through the sandpaper of life.