Proverbs 27
God designed us to grow in community with one another—sharpening, encouraging, and holding each other accountable.
Proverbs 27:17
“As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.”
Speaking from experience and coming from a place of no humility, Proverbs 27 has been a source of truth, encouragement, and growth. I have lived the life of riches and jewels with the friends that were there to show off with me. I cared for no one and stubbed my nose at the ones that weren’t of my status. And then He came.
Jesus modeled something radically different. He saw people not by what they had done or where they came from, but by their God-given identity and potential. As His followers, we’re called to look deeper—to see with compassion, not comparison.
Proverbs 27 is a treasure chest of practical truths, and verse 17 stands out like a jewel among them: “As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.”
We are meant to sharpen each other. To refine, encourage, and challenge one another in love. That’s not always easy—it requires courage, vulnerability, and grace. But it’s in those moments of real connection that growth happens.
God tells us to look to Him. He is our friend, our guide, and our way. He also tells us true friends are a gift from God. They help us and guide us in the thick and thin of life. Friends are trusted, friends are treasured. Verse 6 says, “Wounds from a friend can be trusted, but an enemy multiplies kisses.” Godly friendship isn’t about flattery. It’s about truth spoken in love—gentle correction when we’re off course, and unwavering support when we feel weak. Think of the women in your life who have helped shape your walk with God. Maybe they didn’t always tell you what you wanted to hear, but they told you what you needed.
I know the friends He is talking about. I now have these friends. I had the friends that were there because we were in the same circle of status. Only a surface level friendship that as soon as something went absolutely amazing, they were right there to enjoy the ride. They were also the friends that when something went terribly wrong; they were nowhere to be found. That was before I knew the genuine friendship that God is talking about found me. The friendships I have now, I hope to have for years to come. They are the friends I trust to be there when I am doing my best, but will also help me when I am going off course. They will hold me accountable but also help lift me up when I start to fall.
Having faithful and worthy friends is what we want but, we must also show it through the posture of our heart. Verse 19 says “As water reflects the face, so one’s life reflects the heart.” We can say that we are Christian, we can quote scripture, and go to church, but if we are not living by the word that has been laid out for us,what are we really even doing? Our actions speak loud. If we are not acting the way we are speaking, our hearts are not aligned with God. This isn’t just about perception—it’s about witness. The way we live, love, speak, and even how we handle struggle or failure, all contribute to how others experience the Jesus we claim to follow.
Keep an eye on what is happening in your own family. Paying attention to our homes, our duties, and our own work. Stay humble and diligent in these things because riches and fame will not last. We should be responsible stewards of the things that God has given us and not worry about what others may have. Verses 23–27 remind us to steward what’s been entrusted to us:
“Be sure you know the condition of your flocks, give careful attention to your herds…”
Whether that “flock” is your family, your job, your ministry, or your own soul—God calls us to watch with wisdom and care with purpose. You are a caretaker of something sacred.
God did not create us to worry about lifestyle or money. He created us to be humble and live in humility. He has equipped our lives with His word for me and you to have a life full of His spirit and grace. We as sisters in Christ are a community. We are a family and we need to all come together to be there alongside the ones that need lifting up.
Hebrews 10:24–25
“And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds… encouraging one another…”
Ecclesiastes 4:9–10
“Two are better than one… If either of them falls down, one can help the other up.”
Take a few quiet minutes with this question:
“When people look at my life, what do they see? Do they see Jesus in how I love, speak, forgive, and lead?”
Follow-up questions for personal reflection:
- What’s one area of my life where I want to better reflect Christ?
- Who in my life currently sharpens and encourages me spiritually (Proverbs 27:17)?
- What’s one practical way I can be more intentional in showing Christ today?
Prayer:
Lord, we want to reflect You. In a world full of noise and pressure, help us to live with gentle strength and unwavering love. Make us women who carry Your peace, speak Your truth, and live with grace. Let our lives shine—not for our glory, but for Yours. Shape our hearts, sharpen our character, and surround us with sisters who lift us up. In Jesus’ name, Amen.