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Bible verse
Proverbs 27:17
“Iron sharpeneth iron; so a man sharpeneth the countenance of his friend.”
What it means
We were never meant to grow alone. Honest friendship files away our rough edges and makes us keener, braver, more like who we were made to be. This kind of sharpening asks for closeness and a little friction, the loving challenge only real companions give. It reflects the God who places us in family and church rather than isolation. In Christ we are joined to one another, and He often shapes us through the people who walk near. Seek those friends, and be one.
Proverbs 27:17 at a glance
| Reference | Proverbs 27:17 |
|---|---|
| Book | Proverbs |
| Chapter to read it in | Proverbs 27 |
| Topic | relationships |
| Passages linked to it | 10 |
| Translation on this page | King James Version (public domain) |
Read it in context
Read it beside its neighbours. These are the passages readers most often set next to this one.
- Hebrews 10:24
- Proverbs 27:9
- Job 4:3-4
- 1 Samuel 23:16
- Isaiah 35:3-4
- 2 Timothy 2:3
- 1 Peter 4:12-13
- 2 Samuel 10:11-12
- James 1:2
- 2 Timothy 2:9-13
Cross-reference data from OpenBible.info, used under CC BY.
Questions people ask
Where do I find Proverbs 27:17?
It is in Proverbs, in Proverbs 27. Reading the whole chapter shows who is speaking, to whom, and why.
What other passages go with Proverbs 27:17?
Readers most often set it beside Hebrews 10:24, Proverbs 27:9, Job 4:3-4, 1 Samuel 23:16. Each is listed under Read it in context.
How can I pray Proverbs 27:17?
Read it slowly once, then say it back to God in your own words, one phrase at a time. Stop on the phrase that stays with you and stay there. You can also ask the family of God on The Living Bread to pray it with you.
Pray this
Lord Jesus, you see Proverbs 27:17 and you know every person there by name. We bring you Proverbs 27:17, relationships. Teach us to love one another, as you have loved us. In the name of Jesus, amen.
Live this
Three small things you can do this week.
- Read all of Proverbs 27 today, not only the one verse.
- Write Proverbs 27:17 where you will see it, and read it aloud at the start and end of the day.
- Tell one person what this verse means to you, and ask what verse has carried them.
Where this fits in the walk with Christ
Nothing here is a finish line. It is one door into a life with Christ and with His people.
Read it, pray it, live it
On The Living Bread you can read the whole chapter, save this verse, ask Simon to explain it, pray it over your life, and share it with someone who needs it today.
