The Bible is full of wonderful analogies. One of the best is found in Proverbs, which paints a picture of godly mentoring and accountability.

Proverbs 27:17 says, “Iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another.”

The idea is that as pieces of iron are drawn against the other, each piece becomes sharper. A further application is made in Hebrews 4:12, which talks about Scripture as being a double-edged sword, and it is with His Word that we are to sharpen each other.

The goal is mutual accountability and imparting wisdom for living.

As Michelle Lazurek has written: “As the body of Christ, we forget that part of our job is to sharpen other brothers and sisters in Christ so that the flame in their hearts, put there by the Holy Spirit, continues to burn.”

Although the “iron sharpens iron” analogy is often used to describe the relationship between men, the application is at least relevant for everyone else. Even at this moment, there are millions of women mentoring girls, sharpening their wisdom in the Lord!

Let’s pray.

Lord, you have given us wonderful relationships that help us grow. We thank you for this great gift. Amen.

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