Iron Sharpens Iron

Daily Meditation 768 — 4/5/2024

This well known proverb comes from, well, Proverbs in the Bible.

The next line of it comes in various translations, but in general, the full proverb is:

“Iron sharpens iron, so a friend sharpens a friend” or “so one man sharpens another.”

On the surface, alone, it’s a powerful proverb. Friends help one another.

But, it is more than simply “helping,” as the message is deeper. Iron is used to sharpen iron, and the process is not easy nor without “injury.” In taking an old, rusting plow, you may smash it into small shards with a great iron mallet. From there, you can place those pieces into a forge to craft a new sword or a shield. Plucking out that glowering red sword, you beat upon it with iron hammers and tongs.

With iron and heat and force, iron is formed to its intended and perfect shape.

We are as men so much like these shapeless ingots of iron in need of inspiration. And this inspiration comes from those who — with words and intentions as of iron — want the best not only for us, but from us.

Unfortunately, we have become soft, I think. Any slight “slight” from someone — loved one or friend or foe — and we (willingly) turn into a victim. This is our Narcissistic ego protecting us and seeking to take…