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Parenting by the Book

Proverbs   Study
Study 327

STUDY 327

Text: Proverbs 27
30 September 2007

Dear Parents,

STRONG FRIENDSHIP
Friendship may be measured in many ways. The following text describes one of the ways in which we can measure friendship.

As iron sharpens iron,
So a man sharpens the countenance of his friend.

Proverbs 27:17

1. The imagery of “iron”

a) In ancient days, iron represented strength.

b) The discovery of iron resulted in the manufacturing of important implements:-

i) Plows

ii) Swords

iii) Knives

iv) Anvils

2. The imagery that is not mentioned but only implied

a) Wood, stone…

b) These were the main things used prior to the stone age.

3. Great strength

a) This is implied by the imagery of “iron”.

b) Iron when clashing with wood or stone would result in the damage or destruction of the latter.

c) But iron against iron would not hurt each other; it in fact improves it (“sharpens”).

FROM GOOD TO STRONG
Good friends are hard to come by. But when one does have good friends, one must seek to go on to the next level of friendship. One must seek to develop the friendship so that it becomes truly strong. How does one know that a friendship is strong? The intrinsic strength of good friends would stand the test of life’s trials. Good friends become “brothers” when they face adversity. The value and strength of the friendship becomes even more sharpened along the way! May we be blessed with such friendships!

Prayerfully,
Pastor Charlie

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