Sharpened by Friendship
“As iron sharpens iron so one person sharpens another”.
Proverbs 27:17
Proverbs 27:17
The other night, I sat in Karen’s living room celebrating the end of our women’s mentorship program. As she shared a few thoughts on Proverbs 27:17—“As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another”—it got me thinking about friendship.
Growing up, I didn’t have many deep, abiding friendships. It wasn’t until my early 30s that I began to develop the kind of relationships that truly glorify God. Looking back, I realize that part of the struggle was my own immaturity in understanding what friendship really is. I used to think a good friend was someone who always agreed with me, shared all my interests, never challenged me, and lived at the same pace I did. It’s no wonder I had difficulty building Christ-centered friendships—those expectations left no room for real growth.
God-honoring friendship is hard. It takes sacrifice, humility, and a willingness to step into discomfort. It’s about seeking the best for the other person, even when that means hard conversations or confronting blind spots.
Proverbs 27:17 gives us a powerful picture: iron sharpening iron. If you’ve ever seen a blade being sharpened, you know it involves friction—sparks fly, and rough edges are worn away. But the goal isn’t damage; it’s strength and precision. In the same way, biblical friendships may involve moments of tension or correction, but when done in love and truth, they lead to refinement.
Another key to sharpening? Contact. A blade can’t be sharpened from a distance. Real friendship requires presence, consistency, and intentional time together. The more disconnected we become, the duller our relationships tend to grow.
Finally, sharpening makes something useful. A dull knife doesn’t slice—it tears. I’ve mutilated more than a few loaves of bread with a dull blade! Similarly, when God uses a friend to speak truth into our lives—even when it stings—His purpose is to shape us into more effective instruments for His Kingdom.
Earlier in Proverbs 27, Solomon says, “Perfume and incense bring joy to the heart, and the pleasantness of a friend springs from their heartfelt advice.” (v.9)
Lord, thank You for the gift of true friendship—those who challenge us, refresh our souls, and help us become who You created us to be. May we be that kind of friend to others.
Growing up, I didn’t have many deep, abiding friendships. It wasn’t until my early 30s that I began to develop the kind of relationships that truly glorify God. Looking back, I realize that part of the struggle was my own immaturity in understanding what friendship really is. I used to think a good friend was someone who always agreed with me, shared all my interests, never challenged me, and lived at the same pace I did. It’s no wonder I had difficulty building Christ-centered friendships—those expectations left no room for real growth.
God-honoring friendship is hard. It takes sacrifice, humility, and a willingness to step into discomfort. It’s about seeking the best for the other person, even when that means hard conversations or confronting blind spots.
Proverbs 27:17 gives us a powerful picture: iron sharpening iron. If you’ve ever seen a blade being sharpened, you know it involves friction—sparks fly, and rough edges are worn away. But the goal isn’t damage; it’s strength and precision. In the same way, biblical friendships may involve moments of tension or correction, but when done in love and truth, they lead to refinement.
Another key to sharpening? Contact. A blade can’t be sharpened from a distance. Real friendship requires presence, consistency, and intentional time together. The more disconnected we become, the duller our relationships tend to grow.
Finally, sharpening makes something useful. A dull knife doesn’t slice—it tears. I’ve mutilated more than a few loaves of bread with a dull blade! Similarly, when God uses a friend to speak truth into our lives—even when it stings—His purpose is to shape us into more effective instruments for His Kingdom.
Earlier in Proverbs 27, Solomon says, “Perfume and incense bring joy to the heart, and the pleasantness of a friend springs from their heartfelt advice.” (v.9)
Lord, thank You for the gift of true friendship—those who challenge us, refresh our souls, and help us become who You created us to be. May we be that kind of friend to others.
Love & Blessings,
Danielle Porter
Danielle Porter
Posted in H2P 2025
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