“Iron sharpeneth iron; so a man sharpeneth the countenance of his friend” (Proverbs 27:17). I pondered the second part of this verse, wondering how one could influence his friend’s facial expression. I listened to a sermon to learn one preacher’s answer: Another’s words enter the hearer’s heart and the result can be reflected on the face.
The preacher also pointed out that one uses a file on a dull saw, making it shiny and sharp. Friends can do this for each other—and friends could include members of our family, faraway readers of our words, and suchlike. Conversation can stimulate a friend’s intellect, stir him to use his gifts, spur him on to serve the Lord with gladness. Such inspiring words could surely put a smile on the face of a friend.
Good words. I think community--being there for each other--has a profound impact on our lives. And what's in the heart is shown on the face.
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