Iron Sharpens Iron: Why Every Christian Needs a Proverbs 27:17 Friend

A very good friend of mine and I often share Proverbs 27:17 with one another, “As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another.” We've been friends for over 25 years now and we live 2500 miles apart these days. But we still call each other several times a month just to catch up and pray about life, and when we really need a friend to pray for us, we know we can always call each other.

I think we've been through about every human dilemma you can imagine—from death, disease, teenage pregnancy, the crisis of faith and the many ministry ups and downs we have experienced over the years. In each case we know to go to a friend who is like an iron rod in Christ because coming into contact with that “iron rod” sharpens us when we need it most.

I hope you have such a Christian friend. The adage, “You only rise to the level of those with whom you surround yourself,” always proves true. Another proverb that comes to mind as I think about this is the one that I've taught my son since he was a little boy: Proverbs 13:20, “He who walks with the wise grows wise, but a companion of fools suffers harm.”

If you want to grow in your maturity as a Christian, then you must be in contact with like-minded people. Don't mishear me on this. We still go to the lost world and be the “friend of sinners,” like Jesus was. We need to share the good news of Jesus Christ because that’s our Commission given to us by Jesus. But for you to grow and mature, you must be in a relationship with those who are growing and maturing as well. When you need help or you need prayer, you can't go to the lost and dying world for help or advice, for broad is the road that leads to destruction we are warned. You must have that Christian brother, that Christian sister—that true friend who sticks “closer than a brother,” who travels the same road as you, who will pray for you and encourage you with scripture and biblical guidance.

I admit, finding such a friend can be tough. If you don’t have this in your life, then you should start praying that God will send such a friend into your life. Because trust me, there will be days when you need them and days when they need you, and as iron sharpens iron, so you two will sharpen one another.