|
News for the Pews |
Home
21st September 2024
SaturdayReflection
************************
'Bethany Verrett'
Writer for Bible Study Tools
"Christian, "As Iron Sharpens
Iron," You Can Influence
Others for the Better"
************************
Within the Old Testament, there are many nuggets of wisdom to take in, with whole books dedicated to the subject.
The wisest man to ever walk the earth, King Solomon, wrote several books, including Proverbs.
One statement is,
"Iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another"
.....Proverbs 27:17
Sometimes these metaphoric statements can be difficult to understand, especially when they are taken out of context.
Most Christians thinkers believe this statement regarding iron sharpening iron relates to having a good friend, honesty that improves one's character and calls out sin in a loving way; though there are some who believe it refers to someone who brings down another, and argue it is a negative statement.
Either way, the phrase highlights the important truth that people affect one another, words and actions define relationships for better or worse, and they change people, so people need to act accordingly.
When creating a metal blade, it is often sharpened, and then maintained through its life, by dragging it against a harder metal.
The metaphor in the first half of the verse refers to a common practice with which many would have been familiar.
The second half of the verse explains the metaphor.
Like a piece of hard iron will sharpen another piece of iron, the interactions between two people will shape and change one another.
Being in the presence of a strong believer can help refine another person.
It is also in alignment with philosophies of behaviour encouraged in the New Testament;
"Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing"
.....1 Thessalonians 5:11
Calling out sin, encouraging each other, and lifting one another up in prayer are all ways of sharpening one another.
If a believer disciples another, they grow as well.
Their understanding of the Bible can grow, they can deepen their relationship with God, and have new experiences.
Some note that sometimes these relationships can have negative impacts on one another.
One person can introduce the other to a bad habit.
A minority of scholars argue this negative interpretation is more biblically accurate.
Essentially, the use of the Hebrew word, translated sharp in this verse - is used elsewhere to connote scheming or ill intent.
An example of how this word is used somewhere else in the Old Testament is,
"'Son of man, prophesy and say, Thus says the Lord, say: 'A sword, a sword is sharpened and also polished, sharpened for slaughter, polished to flash like lightning!'"
.....Ezekiel 21:9-10a
It is an interesting interpretation.
However, most scholars argue the impact is for the better.
These many ways of lifting one another up mentioned in the Bible still apply today.
Singing songs to God together, reading the Word, and praying for one another is a great start.
Learning more about one another so as to help each other in their specific weaknesses is a way to be supportive, and grow stronger in character.
For those who believe this verse is a warning, it reminds believers to be careful about what habits they pick up from others, and to guard their hearts.
Regardless of whether someone subscribes to the idea that sharpening improves a thing, or makes it worse, this verse emphasizes how actions and words have consequences, and affect others.
People do not live in a vacuum, and the way they are treated will leave a lasting impact.
><(((°>
This is an edited version.
The full article and Bible references are avaiable on request
'Bible Study Tools'
is a Proud member of Salem Media Group.
We are dedicated to building up the Church, which is the Body of Christ.
As a Christ-centred corporation, we will create value for our customers, employees, and shareholders by:
Bringing glory to God in all that we do
Bethany Verrett
is a freelance writer who uses her passion for God, reading, and writing to glorify God.
She and her husband have lived all over the country serving their Lord and Saviour in ministry.
She has a blog on graceandgrowing.com
Contact the Rector
The Revd.
Nic.Edwards
The Rectory,
Church Lane,
BUGBROOKE,
Northampton,
NN7 3PB
Land Line: 01604 - 815496
(Can be accessed from the mobile device)
Mobile: .....
E-mail:
thebeneficeofbhkandr at gmail dot com
Contact the Benefice Office
Sunday School Rooms, Church Lane,
BUGBROOKE, Northampton, NN7 3PB
Land Line: 01604 830373
E-mail:
thebeneficeofbhkandr at gmail dot com
Mon., Tues., Wed,, Thur., Fri.
9:00am to 11:30am
For Baptism bookings (Christenings)
to arrange an appointment please contact
the Benefice Office.
For Wedding bookings:
please contact the Benefice Office to arrange
an appointment.
Who Made This?
Seeing as you asked, if you can give helpful
advice or report factual corrections and
'deliberate mistakes',email:-
regparker3 at gmail dot com
Email addresses shown using words in an
attempt to avoid 'spam',
Type the email address replacing 'at' with '@',
and 'dot' with '.'
|