The term "sharpeneth" is derived from the action of making something sharp or sharper, often used metaphorically in the Bible to describe the process of improvement, refinement, or preparation. In the context of Scripture, it frequently refers to the honing of character, wisdom, or spiritual readiness.

Proverbs 27:17 · "As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another." This verse is perhaps the most well-known biblical reference to sharpening. It illustrates the mutual benefit and growth that occurs when individuals engage in meaningful, constructive relationships. Just as iron tools are honed and made more effective through friction with other iron, so too are people refined and improved through interaction and accountability with others. This proverb underscores the importance of fellowship and community in the Christian life, emphasizing that believers are called to support, challenge, and encourage one another in their spiritual journeys.

Ecclesiastes 10:10 · "If the ax is dull and its edge unsharpened, more strength is needed, but skill will bring success." This passage highlights the necessity of preparation and wisdom in achieving success. A sharpened tool requires less effort and is more effective, symbolizing the importance of being spiritually and mentally prepared. In a broader sense, it suggests that wisdom and skill, akin to a sharpened tool, are crucial for navigating life's challenges and fulfilling one's God-given purpose.

1 Samuel 13:20-21 · In this historical account, the Israelites were forced to go to the Philistines to sharpen their agricultural tools, as there were no blacksmiths in Israel. This situation illustrates a period of vulnerability and dependence on foreign powers. Spiritually, it can be seen as a reminder of the importance of self-sufficiency in one's faith and the need to be equipped with the tools necessary for spiritual warfare and daily living.

Hebrews 4:12 · While not using the word "sharpeneth," this verse speaks to the sharpness of the Word of God: "For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart." The imagery of a sharp sword conveys the power and precision of Scripture in discerning truth and guiding believers. It serves as a reminder of the transformative and penetrating nature of God's Word in the life of a Christian.

In summary, the concept of sharpening in the Bible is rich with meaning, symbolizing the process of growth, preparation, and refinement. Whether through relationships, wisdom, or the Word of God, the act of sharpening is essential for effective Christian living and spiritual maturity.

Home-Example.
... Says Solomon, "Iron sharpeneth iron; so a man sharpeneth the countenance of his
friend." Says Paul "It is good neither to eat flesh, nor to drink wine, nor ...
//christianbookshelf.org/philips/the christian home/chapter xx home-example.htm

Friendship; Or, David and Jonathan
... minded will he make us. For it is written, 'As iron sharpeneth iron, so a
man sharpeneth the face of his friend.'. Nothing can be more ...
//christianbookshelf.org/kingsley/david/sermon v friendship or david.htm

Paul in Malta and Rome.
... "Iron sharpeneth iron, so a man sharpeneth the countenance of his friend." By the
simple presence and approving looks of his friends, as well as by their ...
/.../dick/lectures on the acts of the apostles/lecture xxix paul in malta.htm

Hebrews x. 19-23
... he says, "to provoke unto [3157] love and to good works." He knew that this also
arises from "gathering together." For as "iron sharpeneth iron" ( Proverbs 17 ...
/.../homilies on the gospel of st john and hebrews/homily xix hebrews x 19-23.htm

Walking with God
... And has not the wisest of men told us, that As iron sharpeneth iron, so doth the
countenance of a man his friend?' If we look, therefore, into church history ...
/.../whitefield/selected sermons of george whitefield/walking with god.htm

"Thou Shall Keep Him in Perfect Peace, Whose Mind is Stayed on ...
... of it; and how great peace is this, when a soul can look upon all its iniquities
when they compass about a man, and outward trouble sharpeneth and setteth on ...
/.../binning/the works of the rev hugh binning/sermon xii thou shall keep.htm

Concerning Worship.
... by the outward senses) the more to abound, when his children assemble themselves
diligently together to wait upon him; so that as iron sharpeneth iron, the ...
/.../proposition xi concerning worship.htm

The Pilgrim's Progress
The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3. <. ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the pilgrims progress.htm

Sharpeneth (4 Occurrences)
...Sharpeneth (4 Occurrences). ... Job 16:9 He teareth me in his wrath, who hateth me: he
gnasheth upon me with his teeth; mine enemy sharpeneth his eyes upon me. ...
/s/sharpeneth.htm - 7k

Sharpened (13 Occurrences)
... Selah. (WEB KJV JPS ASV WBS YLT). Proverbs 27:17 Iron is sharpened by iron;
so a man sharpeneth the countenance of his friend. (DBY YLT). ...
/s/sharpened.htm - 10k

Friendship (13 Occurrences)
... 24, "He that maketh many friends doeth it to his own destruction; but there is a
friend that sticketh closer than a brother." Again, "Iron sharpeneth iron; so ...
/f/friendship.htm - 13k

Friend (139 Occurrences)
... 24, "He that maketh many friends doeth it to his own destruction; but there is a
friend that sticketh closer than a brother." Again, "Iron sharpeneth iron; so ...
/f/friend.htm - 40k

Gnashes (4 Occurrences)
... (DBY NIV). Job 16:9 He hath torn me in His wrath, and hated me; He hath gnashed
upon me with His teeth; mine adversary sharpeneth his eyes upon me. (See NIV). ...
/g/gnashes.htm - 7k

Gnasheth (4 Occurrences)
... (KJV WBS YLT). Job 16:9 He teareth me in his wrath, who hateth me: he gnasheth upon
me with his teeth; mine enemy sharpeneth his eyes upon me. (KJV DBY WBS). ...
/g/gnasheth.htm - 7k

Trodden (42 Occurrences)
... (WEB KJV JPS ASV DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV). Psalms 7:12 If 'one' turn not, His sword
he sharpeneth, His bow he hath trodden -- He prepareth it, (YLT). ...
/t/trodden.htm - 19k

Teareth (6 Occurrences)
... (KJV JPS ASV DBY WBS). Job 16:9 He teareth me in his wrath, who hateth me: he gnasheth
upon me with his teeth; mine enemy sharpeneth his eyes upon me. ...
/t/teareth.htm - 8k

Pursueth (28 Occurrences)
... (YLT). Job 16:9 His anger teareth and pursueth me; he gnasheth with his teeth against
me; as mine adversary he sharpeneth his eyes at me. (DBY). ...
/p/pursueth.htm - 14k

Prepareth (21 Occurrences)
... apportion. (YLT). Psalms 7:12 If 'one' turn not, His sword he sharpeneth,
His bow he hath trodden -- He prepareth it, (YLT). Psalms ...
/p/prepareth.htm - 13k

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