What does “Iron Sharpens Iron” mean? ?

It is a quote from the Bible.

As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another. (Prov 27:17 NIV)

As far as I know, it is referring to the way we affect each others character when you are around them or close to them. As iron sharpens iron, so our character will rub off on each other, making us better. Otherwise here’s a link to someone who studied it further.

http://astudent.wordpress.com/2007/03/29/iron-shar…

Iron Sharpens Iron Meaning

Iron Sharpens Iron Verse

https://shorturl.im/PzQ43

It is telling us that 2 things of equal substance will render (fashion) each other in a reciprocal fashion to the benefit or advantage of both. Keep in mind iron was the hardest material made by man when King Solomon wrote this (circa 900 BC) In the context of the scripture (Proverbs 27: 17) “As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.” we use this verse at The mens’ fellowship groups run at, or by, the Church I attend as an encouragement to each other as “Prayer and Accountability Partners” It is a reminder that together we can achieve far more than one man alone (Matthew 18: 20) tells where two or more are gathered in His Name……. Yes, a wise man keeps the company of the wise, and I have been sharpened as I have also sharpened others. God bless <)))><

Diamonds are the hardest naturally occurring substance on earth. Hence, it takes one diamond to cut another. This may remind Bible students of the proverb that says: “By iron, iron itself is sharpened. So one man sharpens the face of another.” (Proverbs 27:17) How is a person’s face “sharpened”? One individual may succeed in sharpening the intellectual and spiritual state of another, just as a piece of iron can be used to sharpen a blade made of the same metal. For instance, if we should become depressed over some disappointment, another person’s encouragement can be very uplifting. Our sad countenance can thus change for the better, and we can be enlivened for renewed zealous activity. (Proverbs 13:12) Especially can congregation elders help to sharpen us by providing Scriptural encouragement and counsel for improvement. They follow the principle stated by Solomon: “Give to a wise person and he will become still wiser. Impart knowledge to someone righteous and he will increase in learning.”

The first Answerer is correct regarding the Biblical source. Think about the image of an ironsmith making a sword using an anvil and a hammer. The sword, the anvil and the hammer are all made of iron.

Going a little further in the explanation, where the Bible oftentimes uses “man” to refer to humans in general, this scripture actually refers to the male of our species. The verse is explaining the power of the bond between two men who are working together toward the same goal and thus, have made themselves accountable to each other. And with men more so than with women, a knock in the head or a kick in the pants from someone we respect (in the case of the football team, a teammate) may be what we need to get us to perform better, when we start to slack up.

Similarly, Ecclesiastes reveals, “Two are better than one because they produce a good work. If one falls, his friend is there to help him up. But, pity the fool who falls and has no one to help him up.”

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What does “Iron Sharpens Iron” mean? ?

It was on a high school football t-shirt. When we asked the student he said you have to be a guy to understand. So we are now wondering what is the real meaning behind this phrase.