Ready
“Iron sharpens iron, and one person sharpens another.” —Proverbes 27:17
Set
Ever wonder how iron sharpens iron? It’s not just rubbing two pieces of metal together. In metallurgy, one piece of iron must first be fired, forged and hardened before it can shape another. A seasoned blade hones a softer edge. Sparks fly. Heat rises. That’s what sharpening looks like. It’s not gentle—but it’s effective. The Bible uses this image to show how God uses one person’s strength, experience and grit to sharpen another for greater purpose. That’s mentorship.
Solomon’s wisdom reminds us: growth requires relationship. When Christ-followers sharpen each other, it’s not about tearing down—it’s about building up. Encouragement fuels perseverance. Accountability corrects weakness. Support lifts burdens. Godly mentorship doesn’t just improve performance—it shapes character. It’s not always comfortable, but it is always for your good. Pastor Chuck Swindoll puts it this way: this verse isn’t about conflict—it’s about refinement. The goal isn’t friction, but formation.
Look at David and Jonathan. One was a prince. The other a shepherd. But Jonathan mentored David with loyalty, faith and truth—even when it cost him. That bond shaped David into a warrior-king after God’s heart. Or consider Abraham Lincoln. He built his cabinet from rivals—men who disagreed, debated and challenged him daily. But through respectful tension, they sharpened one another—and helped preserve a nation. God uses relationships like these to forge greatness.
NFL tight end Zach Ertz once said his toughest teammate wasn’t his biggest critic—it was Malcolm Jenkins, who made him better every day in practice. Ertz said, “Iron sharpens iron... Malcolm’s made me a better man.” The best teammates don’t just compete with you. They complete you. The same is true in faith. Mentors. Coaches. Teammates. Let them shape you. Then—go be that person for someone else.
GO
Who in your life has sharpened your character—spiritually or athletically? What made their influence effective?
Can you see how your strengths might sharpen a friend while their strengths are sharpening you?
Like Zach Ertz, share one way that somebody could sharpen you to be a better person. Who could help you become that better person?
Workout
Overtime
My Father and my coach, let me imitate you in the decisions I make today. Bring friends into my life who show good character on and off the playing field. Help me seek wise guides to sharpen me in your way. In Your name, I pray. Amen.