Meaning, commentary and cross references
Proverbs 27:17
“Iron sharpens iron,
and one man sharpens another.”In other translations
KJV · King James Version
Iron sharpeneth iron; so a man sharpeneth the countenance of his friend.
NIV · New International Version
As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.
WEB · World English Bible
Iron sharpens iron; so a man sharpens his friend’s countenance.
What does Proverbs 27:17 mean?
John Gill · Exposition of the Entire Bible, on Proverbs 27:17
Iron sharpeneth iron,.... A sword or knife made of iron is sharpened by it; so butchers sharpen their knives; so a man sharpeneth the countenance of his friend; by conversation with him; thus learned men sharpen one another's minds, and excite each other to learned studies; Christians sharpen one another's graces, or stir up each other to the exercise of them, and the gifts which are bestowed on them, and to love and to good works. So Jarchi and Gersom understand it of the sharpening of men's minds to the learning of doctrine; but Aben Ezra, takes it in an ill sense, that as iron strikes iron and sharpens it, so a wrathful man irritates and provokes wrath in another. Some render the words…
John Gill, Exposition of the Entire Bible (1746–63). Public domain. Digital text: Free Use Bible API (bible.helloao.org).
Matthew Henry · Commentary on the Whole Bible, on Proverbs 27:17
This intimates both the pleasure and the advantage of conversation. One man is nobody; nor will poring upon a book in a corner accomplish a man as the reading and studying of men will. Wise and profitable discourse sharpens men's wits; and those that have ever so much knowledge may by conference have something added to them. It sharpens men's looks, and, by cheering the spirits, puts a briskness and liveliness into the countenance, and gives a man such an air as shows he is pleased himself and makes him pleasing to those about him.
Matthew Henry, Commentary on the Whole Bible (1706–21; Romans–Revelation completed by Nonconformist ministers). Public domain. Digital text: Free Use Bible API (bible.helloao.org).
Context: Proverbs 27:14–20 (WEB)
14He who blesses his neighbor with a loud voice early in the morning, it will be taken as a curse by him. 15A continual dropping on a rainy day and a contentious wife are alike: 16restraining her is like restraining the wind, or like grasping oil in his right hand. 17Iron sharpens iron; so a man sharpens his friend’s countenance. 18Whoever tends the fig tree shall eat its fruit. He who looks after his master shall be honored. 19Like water reflects a face, so a man’s heart reflects the man. 20Sheol and Abaddon are never satisfied; and a man’s eyes are never satisfied.
Cross references
- Hebrews 10:24
Let’s consider how to provoke one another to love and good works,
- Proverbs 27:9
Perfume and incense bring joy to the heart; so does earnest counsel from a man’s friend.
- Job 4:3–4
Behold, you have instructed many, you have strengthened the weak hands.
- 1 Samuel 23:16
Jonathan, Saul’s son, arose and went to David into the woods, and strengthened his hand in God.
- Isaiah 35:3–4
Strengthen the weak hands, and make the feeble knees firm.
- 2 Timothy 2:3
You therefore must endure hardship as a good soldier of Christ Jesus.
- 1 Peter 4:12–13
Beloved, don’t be astonished at the fiery trial which has come upon you to test you, as though a strange thing happened to you.
- 2 Samuel 10:11–12
He said, “If the Syrians are too strong for me, then you shall help me; but if the children of Ammon are too strong for you, then I will come and help you.