Proverbs 27:17

“As iron sharpens iron so one man sharpens another.”  

The weapons of a soldier and the tools of a man who works the land both need to be regularly sharpened. This keeps the tool and weapon smooth, removes any deformities and maintains it’s ability to cut. 

Just as a tool or weapon needs to be refined so does the character of a man. My ability to ‘sharpen’ myself is limited, though clearly the Spirit of God will use the Word of God, which is sharper than a double edged sword to sharpen me. (Hebrews 4:12)

This proverb of Solomon pushes back against the man who is not intentional to build meaningful ongoing community. It highlights the blessing and the benefit of brotherhood as well as the danger that comes with isolation. 

Hebrews 3:12,13

“See to it, brothers, that none of you has a sinful, unbelieving heart that turns away from the living God. But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called “Today,” so that none of you may be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin.”  

Just as a tool or a weapon becomes dull – so does the heart of a man without regular encouragement. 

How regular? Every day. 

Weekly worship gatherings and weekly small groups are some of the platforms to build the brotherhood that will daily sharpen me. 

Prayer. 

Thank You, Father, for the men who touch me daily. Protect me from my flesh and my own tendency toward self sufficiency. Give me grace to build new brotherhood with other men. In Jesus Name, Amen