A word fitly spoken is like APPLES OF GOLD in a setting of silver – Proverbs 25v11
One of my favourite verses is Proverbs 27v17 “Iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another.” At first glance, this seems a strange analogy – we normally sharpen iron with a grinding stone. But here the thought is about the initial making of the knife, spear or arrow sharp and it involves a pounding by another piece of iron. This simple proverb teaches us that we need to be in a community of other believers and submit to positive and sometimes painful criticism to sharpen us and make us more effective in our Christian walk. In other words – be teachable.
This is further emphasised in verse 5 “Better is open rebuke than hidden love. Wounds from a friend can be trusted, but an enemy multiplies kisses”. Unfortunately, our natural response is to get advice and guidance from those who tell us what we want to hear, but they are in fact our enemies. It is much better to accept Godly advice and guidance from true friends who care about us and have our best interests at heart even though they may “wound” us. We all need people who can help rub off our rough edges and who honestly have our best interests in mind when they do it. There are times when these sharpening conversations, even from loving friends, can come across as harsh, mean, or judgmental. But it definitely helps to know that these people care and that they have a genuine interest in helping us improve. It is so important for each of us to build growing relationships with others in life and to be teachable and in time teach others.
In conclusion, it is perfectly summed up in Hebrews 10v25 “And let us consider how we may spur one another on towards love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another – and all the more as you see the Day approaching.”
God bless,
Graeme Greenwood