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The expression “iron sharpens iron” is located in Proverbs 27:17: “As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.” When two iron blades rub against each other, they both benefit mutually; their edges become keener, enhancing their cutting and slicing abilities. Similarly, the Word of God is described as a “double-edged sword” «For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. », (Hebrews 4:12), and it is through this that we are encouraged to sharpen one another—whether in gatherings, fellowship, or any other form of interaction.
The proverb also highlights the importance of continual fellowship with one another. Man was not designed to be solitary, as the Lord God Himself stated even before the Fall «Then the LORD God said, “It is not good for the man to be alone; I will make him a helper suitable for him.” », (Genesis 2:18). How much more, then, after the Fall of Man, do we require coming together with our fellow believers in Christ for times of fellowship and prayer? This was clearly understood by the early church saints (Acts 2:42-47), who were “devoted” to teaching, fellowship, sharing meals, and prayer, all communal activities that offered opportunities for mutual growth.
There are two key points to consider regarding the aforementioned proverb. Firstly, the gathering of two individuals in the name of the LordMe will always guarantee blessing. It is a means of grace that the Lord Himself promised—where two or more are gathered in His name, there He is among them «For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them. », (Matthew 18:20). Also, we see a similar meaning in Malachi, for those who feared the Lord talked with each other, and the Lord listened and heard «Then they that feared the LORD spake often one to another: and the LORD hearkened, and heard it, and a book of remembrance was written before him for them that feared the LORD, and that thought upon his name. », (Malachi 3:16). When we sharpen one another in real Christian fellowship, the Lord bends an ear from heaven and is pleased. Not one word about Him which brings Him glory escapes His notice.
The fragrances of divine unity are best sensed in the relationship of David and Jonathan, son of Saul. When David was being hotly pursued by Saul, Jonathan sought David out “to help him find strength in God” «And Jonathan Saul’s son arose, and went to David into the wood, and strengthened his hand in God. », (1 Samuel 23:16), which leads us onto our second point. Iron sharpening iron is an opportunity to fulfill the Law of Christ. The apostle Paul says that we are to carry and share the issues and burdens that we face daily, lament over personal sin, advise on how best to repent of it, and rejoice over the conquest of it. This is the same “royal law” mentioned in James 2:8, where we are exhorted to love one another.
Returning to the analogy, if a knife is blunt, it still continues to be a knife, although it is less effective, less useful in service. Let us therefore be encouraged to spend more time together, exhorting, encouraging, praying, admonishing, sharing God’s Word, praying over God’s Word, and the needs of our local church, so that we become sharper and more effective in the ministry that the Lord has assigned to each of us. Too often, what is considered fellowship in the modern church revolves around food and fun rather than sharpening one another with the Word of God. In many cases, the only knives being sharpened are the ones used at potlucks.
Finally, a knife that has been sharpened will also shine more because all the dullness has been rubbed off its surface. Similarly, we will shine brighter for our Lord if we consistently engage in the aforementioned activities, all of which will unite us in harmony. “How good and pleasant it is when brothers live together in unity” «Behold, how good and how pleasant it is For brethren to dwell together in unity! », (Psalm 133:1). Therefore, as the author of Hebrews says, “And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds. Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching” (Hebrews 10:24-25).
