Learning the Catch
Iron sharpeneth iron; so a man sharpeneth the countenance of his friend.
Proverbs 27:17 KJV
This is an original fictional illustration, not a historical report or an added Bible event.
Oliver kept missing the ball. His friend Beth noticed that he closed his eyes just before it reached him.
Beth moved closer and tossed the ball gently. Oliver watched it into his hands. After a few tries, they stepped farther apart. Beth cheered when he caught it again.
Good friends help us learn. Proverbs uses a picture of iron sharpening iron to show how people can strengthen one another. Beth helped without laughing, and Oliver listened without pretending he already knew everything.
Be a friend who helps someone do better. You can also be thankful when someone patiently helps you.
For the grown-up reading along
The image of iron sharpening iron describes the influence people have on one another. Good companionship can strengthen understanding and character. Mere disagreement or harshness is not automatically helpful sharpening.
Read the KJV passage aloud. Explain unfamiliar words in ordinary language without changing the quotation.
Read further: Proverbs 27 in the King James Bible.