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Iron sharpens iron; so a man sharpens the countenance of his friend [to show rage or worthy purpose].
Proverbs 27:17
This verse is used a lot to descibe group Bible studies promoting that we all have a thought or insight to bring to a particular scripture, but It's meaning is much deeper than that. Whenever we interact with people no matter when, where, or why, we should bear in mind that our purpose is to sharpen one another's countenance. Countenance is a big word rich in it's meaning. It describes the expression of the face, whether it's lifted or downcast and expresses the character of the person. Have you ever spoken to someone and your words left them down and dejected? We all have at some time. I remember my wise and beautiful stepmother Lillian would always let us know when we were guilty of that. (aware or unaware) She would say, "you stole her joy!" Often we are unaware, we don't set out to do this, but sometimes we are so caught up in ourselves and our countenance is so low we just infect others with it, and we don't allow others to lift ours. Cain is a good example. In Genesis 4 God asks him "Why are you so angry? And why has your countenance fallen? If you do well, will not your countenance be lifted up? And if you do not do well, sin is crouching at your door;" If you find yourself in this place of being low ask God to lift you from it and practice lifting others. Don't stab with the sword, but sharpen with it. I'm sorry Lord. I ask you to forgive me for leaving someone dejected instead of lifting them up. I will take notice of my thoughts, attitudes, and actions towards others. Help me to do well so no sin will be at my door, and help me to run the sin away from my friend's door.
A friend loves at all times. They are there to help when trouble comes.
Proverbs 17:17
By Crystal Parham