“As iron sharpens iron, so a man sharpens the countenance of his friend.” Proverbs 27: 17
“Iron sharpens iron”… It’s an undisputable fact that you begin to act and show the same character traits as the people you hang around with. Mental sharpness comes from being around good people. How many times has God singled out this message? It must be pretty important. Having a ‘meeting of the minds’ with good people makes us see ideas with new clarity–we can refine those ideas, and shape them into brilliant insights and wisdom. But to have a good meeting of the minds requires people who can challenge one another and stimulate thought—people who focus on the idea without involving their egos in the discussion; people who attack the thought and not the thinker.
I’m convicted by this. Sometimes I’m closed to any new ideas or interpretations—especially the Word of God. Sometimes I allow my ego (Edge God Out) to get in the way and prevent me from getting a different perspective God Himself might be trying to teach. Even though the word of God is mostly either black or white, there are some instances when you just don’t know or are confused. I’ve always hated debating, but my husband loves it. I view it as fighting. I guess you can say that he views it as having a meeting of the minds. But I think as far as debating is concerned, those who are involved need to be mindful and very careful about spinning things (playing with words) to make others think their way is the best even though ‘their way’ could be very detrimental. Some people are masterminds at this. Am I making sense? Somebody tell me what you think about this?
“Fire tests the purity of silver and gold, but a person is tested by being praised.” Proverbs 27: 21
Another truth: Your attitude towards praise tells a lot about your character. Praise tests a person just as high temperatures test metal. How does praise affect you? Do you work to get it? Do you work harder after getting it? People of high integrity are not swayed by praise. They are tuned into inner convictions, and they do what they should whether they get praised or not. Don’t be valued by what others say—that is a principle for all of us to put into our lives.
“Know the state of your flocks, and put your heart into caring for your herds, for riches don’t last forever, and the crown may not be passed to the next generation.
After the hay is harvested and the new crop appears and the mountain grasses are gathered in, your sheep will provide wool for clothing, and your goats will provide the price of a field. And you will have enough goats’ milk for yourself, your family, and your servant girls.” Proverbs 27: 23-27
Life’s uncertain. The bottom line is that we need to be diligent in preparing for our future. For God’s people, thinking ahead is a duty… not an option. Like a farmer with his land and herds, Solomon is telling us to be good stewards; we should act with foresight, giving responsible attention to our home, our family, and our careers.
