17 As iron sharpens iron,
So a man sharpens the countenance of his friend. (Proverbs 27:17 NKJV)

I have a few good friends who have been closer than brothers to me over the years. I say that although I have no brothers to gauge this by, but in watching sibling relationships I am pretty sure I am right. These guys have been there for me through thick and thin. They have been a sounding board for my adult life. I did not carry friendships from high school, college or work. But these guys have been there and stayed there for me.

I realize just how much I need them both in my life. I don’t make new friendships easily. I have a lot of people I call friends, but only very few that I let as close as these. I think that is hard in a man’s life and if we are blessed with a few really close brothers then we are very lucky. Iron truly does sharpen iron when it comes to friends like these.

I especially like the fact that the translation I use says “so a man sharpens the contingency of his friend.” This is so true. These friends have shaped how I appear to others. They have made me a better believer, father, friend and husband. They have lead me in ways that they may never really understand or realize on a regular basis. In short they have made me better in every way.

Reflect on: Who you have in your life that sharpens you. If you do not have anyone, pray God will send you this brother or sister.