Looking Sharp

Proverbs 27:17 Iron sharpeneth iron; so a man sharpeneth the countenance of his friend.

Friends are important for so many reasons. David's life was most certainly sharpened by his friend Jonathan. There are also friends who are more like Job's or Rehoboam's, who give such poor advice that, should it be heeded, would bring calamity.

A good friend is one who can be as "iron" to his friend. While each of us should speak with tact and consideration, a friend should be able to address even difficult matter with his friend. Don't be afraid to stand as strong as iron, but remember the ultimate purpose of the whetstone not simply to be abrasive, but helpful. The whetstone may create some friction and heat, but he does it to make the edge better for it. A friend may speak firmly when need be, but he'll lose that friendship unless his purpose is to build up his companion.

Lastly, sometimes the "sharpening" that is needed is simply to follow the example of our Savior. Isaiah 61:1, "The Spirit of the Lord GOD is upon me; because the LORD hath anointed me to preach good tidings unto the meek; he hath sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to them that are bound;)"

When He put down sin, He picked up the sinner. Sometimes we can become discouraged, defeated, and downtrodden, and a friend can be an immeasurable tool for encouragement in the hand of the Lord.