![]() ![]() The Hebrew word for “sharpen” ( חָדַד, ḥā∙ḏǎḏ ) here is only used six times in the Old Testament: twice in Proverbs 27:17, three times in Ezekiel 21:9–11, and once in Habakkuk 1:8. When iron strikes iron, or even when iron sharpens iron, sparks fly. It is at that step of the process that we see the true nature of Proverbs 27:17. Once it has the length and temper it needs to be a good sword, the smith gives it its sharp edge by grinding and polishing. ![]() Then once the sword has its basic shape, it’s repeatedly subjected to the hot fire and hammered on an anvil to refine its shape and give it its edge. Have you ever watched someone forge a sword? First of all, you have to get the metal hot enough to melt into the basic shape of the sword. A look at the Hebrew of the verse and a little common sense about metallurgy will help make the point. But as I’m prone to do, I’m about to shatter that long-held belief that the verse refers to positive male camaraderie. This brings me to Proverbs 27:17, a verse that is at the heart of nearly every men’s ministry message and program that’s ever been published. Your hands feel slimy until you can get the oil off of them. And trying to reason with a quarrelsome wife? Forget about it! Not only is it difficult to hold oil in your hand, but it’s also hard to get off unless you use some hot water and soap. It was a mess, to say the least, and a pain to keep up with. About a year ago, the same week I was moving out of my mom’s basement and into my own place, their upstairs toilet started leaking pretty bad into what had been my bedroom. If you’ve ever had a leaky roof, you know exactly what he’s talking about. The imagery Solomon applies to quarrelsome wives is even more striking. In fact, the next two verses seem to have a similar theme: being obnoxious doesn’t win you any friends. If you’re obnoxious early in the morning, some people just aren’t going to like that. They are statements that ring true to us about the way things are, but they were never intended to be transformed into commands. Keep in mind that Proverbs is not a book of commands, but a book of pithy generalities about life. “Hi, Scott! Beautiful morning, isn’t it? Just breathe in that fresh morning air!” You want to turn around and smack the guy silly, right? Now of course, I’m not advocating that. You know the type, the one who sees you dragging into work before the coffee or other caffeinated beverage kicks in and decides to have a little fun at your expense. I think most of us know what this verse is really talking about. Morning people are a curse to their neighbors! Now admittedly, I’m dealing with this a little tongue-in-cheek. But many years ago, when I came across Proverbs 27:14, I was in utter disbelief that such a verse would be in the Bible. I get up daily by 5:30 to get my Bible study in and get ready for work. Here it is from the newest version of the NIV:ġ4 If anyone loudly blesses their neighbor early in the morning,ġ5 A quarrelsome wife is like the drippingġ6 restraining her is like restraining the windġ8 The one who guards a fig tree will eat its fruit,Īnd whoever protects their master will be honored.Ģ0 Death and Destruction are never satisfied,Ģ1 The crucible for silver and the furnace for gold, I hope and pray this Bible study journal is a valuable resource to you.One of my favorite sections of Proverbs is 27:14–21. Even with all this it isn't too thick to carry around, perfect for the glove box, saddle bag, backpack, bike pack and wherever else you can think of storing a book. This MEN’S BIBLE STUDY JOURNAL includes 24 Journal Entries, with Date, Verse(s) box, Illustration box, and Application Sections. ![]() This journal is a valuable bible study aid and companion resource for whatever you're are studying at the time. Also makes a great GIFT for a Dad, Son, Brother or Brother in the Lord. Writing in a journal (journaling) can also be another way of carrying on a conversation with God as you hear His voice while reading and studying.This MEN’S BIBLE STUDY JOURNAL, is the perfect size for on the go, along with your bible in your quiet study place or right in your library. Iron sharpens iron So a man sharpens his friend's countenance.Proverbs 27:17 It’s a proven fact that not only reading but writing down your thoughts about the scriptures will help you retain more of what you have read and studied. Daily bible study is like looking into a mirror and gives us discernment about the issues of life and what others may be going through that will give us wise counsel. The following verse demonstrates that as men we need one another to be sharpened.
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