According to The Bible Knowledge Commentary, “When iron is rubbed against another piece of iron it shapes and sharpens it. Similarly people can help each other improve by their discussions, criticisms, suggestions, and ideas.” The image of a chef using a rod of steel to sharpen a knife is a good example of using strong metals to improve the instrument.
Relating directly to friendship, The Life Application Study Bible states, “There is a mental sharpness that comes from being around good people. Two friends who bring their ideas together can help each other become sharper.”
This scripture emphasizes the importance of making friends with quality people who help improve us. Such friends can greatly broaden our understanding and worldview, plus offer feedback that can improve our behavior. Without this type of personal help, we can develop an inaccurately inflated view of our own ideas and conduct.
Why Is This Important?
Choosing friends can be one of the most important decisions a young person will make. The influence exerted by our closest relationships will tend to determine the course of our lives—whether opening up new options and possibilities and encouraging us to grow, or directing us down pathways that restrict our growth and lead us into trouble.
For those who aspire to follow God’s teachings, this choice is vital. The Bible warns, “The righteous should choose his friends carefully, for the way of the wicked leads them astray” (Proverbs 12:26). As this scripture indicates, the “wicked” often bring down the “righteous.” This point is reiterated in 1 Corinthians 15:33, “Do not be deceived: ‘Evil company corrupts good habits.'” We should not take it for granted that we can become close to a bad influence without that influence changing us for the worse.
This is why finding “iron sharpens iron” relationships is important. We increase the opportunity for success by surrounding ourselves with those who raise us up. It is a good thing when our friends expect excellence. We then tend to expect it of ourselves.