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Proverbs 27:17
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- Keil-Delitzsch
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Matthew Henry
- Tyndale
Carl Friedrich Keil and Franz Delitzsch Old Testament Commentary
This proverb expresses the influence arising from the intercourse of man with man: Iron is sharpened by iron, And a man may sharpen the appearance of another. When the Masora reads יחד, Ewald remarks, it interprets the word as denoting "at the same time," and the further meaning of the proverb must then accord therewith. Accordingly he translates: "iron together with iron! and one together with the face of another!" But then the prep. ב or עם is wanting after the second יחד - for יחד is, in spite of Ewald, 217h, never a prep. - and the "face," 17b, would be a perplexing superfluity. Hitzig already replies, but without doing homage to the traditional text-punctuation, that such a violence to the use of language, and such a darkening of the thought, is not at all to be accepted. He suggests four ways of interpreting יחד: (1) the adverb יחד, united, properly (taken accusat.) union; (2) יחד, Psa 86:11, imper. of the Piel יחד, unite; (3) יחדּ, Job 3:6, jussive of the Kal חדה, gaudeat; and (4) as Kimchi, in Michlol 126a, jussive of the Kal חדה (= חדד) acuere, after the form תחז, Mic 4:11. ויּחץ, Gen 32:8, etc. in p. יחד, after the form אחז, Job 23:9. ויּחל, Kg2 1:2 (= ויּחלא, Ch2 16:12). If we take יחד with בּרזל, then it is priori to be supposed that in יחד the idea of sharpening lies; in the Arab. iron is simply called hadyda = חדוּד, that which is sharpened, sharp; and a current Arab. proverb says: alḥadyd balḥadyd yuflah = ferrum ferro diffinditur (vid., Freytag under the word falah). But is the traditional text-punctuation thus understood to be rightly maintained? It may be easily changed in conformity with the meaning, but not so that with Bttcher we read יחד and יחד, the fut. Kal of חדד: "iron sharpeneth itself on iron, and a man sharpeneth himself over against his neighbour" - for פני after a verb to be understood actively, has to be regarded as the object - but since יחד is changed into יחד (fut. Hiph. of חדד), and יחד into יחד or יחד (fut. Hiph. of חדד, after the form אחל, incipiam, Deu 2:25, or אחל, profanabo, Eze 39:7; Num 30:3). The passive rendering of the idea 17a and the active of 17b thus more distinctly appear, and the unsuitable jussive forms are set aside: ferrum ferro exacuitur, et homo exacuit faciem amici sui (Jerome, Targ., the Venet.). But that is not necessary. As ויּעל may be the fut. of the Hiph. (he brought up) as well as of the Kal (he went up), so יחד may be regarded as fut. Kal, and יחד as fut. Hiph. Fleischer prefers to render יחד also as Hiph.: aciem exhibet, like יעשׁיר, divitias acquirit, and the like; but the jussive is not favourable to this supposition of an intransitive (inwardly transitive) Hiph. It may indeed be said that the two jussives appear to be used, according to poetic licence, with the force of indicatives (cf. under Pro 12:26), but the repetition opposes it. Thus we explain: iron is sharpened [gewetzt, Luther uses this appropriate word] by iron (ב of the means, not of the object, which was rather to be expected in 17b after Pro 20:30), and a man whets פני, the appearance, the deportment, the nature, and manner of the conduct of his neighbour. The proverb requires that the intercourse of man with man operate in the way of sharpening the manner and forming the habits and character; that one help another to culture and polish of manner, rub off his ruggedness, round his corners, as one has to make use of iron when he sharpens iron and seeks to make it bright. The jussive form is the oratorical form of the expression of that which is done, but also of that which is to be done.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
a man sharpeneth . . . friend--that is, conversation promotes intelligence, which the face exhibits.
John Gill Bible Commentary
As in water face answereth to face,.... As water is as a looking glass, in which a man may behold his own face and another's; or as the face in the water answers to the face of a man, and there is a great likeness between them. All things through water appear greater, as Seneca (m) observes, and so more clear and plain; so the heart of man to man; one man's heart may be seen and discerned in some measure by another, as by his countenance; for though, as the poet (n) says, "frontis nulla fides", yet the countenance is often the index of the mind, though not an infallible one; wrath and anger in the breast may be seen in the face, as were in Cain's; thus Jacob saw some resentment at him in the mind of Laban, and judged he had some design of mischief against him by the change of his countenance; also what is in the heart of man is discerned by what comes out of it, by his words, and also by his actions; yea, a man may know in a good measure what is in another man's heart, by what he finds in his own: the word of God is a glass, or medium of vision, and like water, in which a man's face is seen, through which a man sees his own heart; the law is a glass, in which an enlightened person sees not only the perfections of God, the nature of righteousness, but also his sin, and the sinfulness of it; this glass mother magnifies nor multiplies his sins, but sets them in a true light before him, by which he discerns heart sins, and sees and knows the plague of his heart; and the Gospel is a glass, wherein he beholds the glory of Christ, sees and can discern whether Christ is formed in him, and he has the grace of the Spirit of God wrought in his soul, as faith, hope, love, repentance, humility, self-denial, &c. moreover, as the face seen in the water is similar to a man's face, so the hearts of men are alike, not merely in a natural sense, see Psa 33:15; but in a moral and spiritual sense the hearts of unregenerate men are alike, and answer to each other; for they are all equally corrupted, one and depraved; the heart of every man is desperately wicked; the imaginations of the thoughts of the hearts or wicked men, one and all of them, are only evil, and that continually; their affections are inordinately the same, they love and hate the same persons and things; their minds and consciences are all defiled; their understandings are darkened; their wills are averse to that which is good, and bent on that which is evil: and so the hearts of good men are alike; they have all one heart and one way given them; their experiences agree as to the work of grace and conversion; they are all made sensible of sin, the evil of it, and danger by it; they are all brought off of their own righteousness, and are led to Christ to depend on him alone for righteousness, pardon, and eternal life; they are partakers of the same promises in the Gospel, and have the same enemies to grapple with, and the same temptations, trials, and exercises from sin, Satan, and the world; and they have the same things put into their hearts, the laws of God, the doctrines of Christ, and the several graces of the Spirit of Christ; so that there cannot be a greater likeness between a man's face and that seen in the water, than there is between the heart of one saint and another; the hearts of Old and New Testament saints, and of all in all ages and places, answer to one another. The Targum paraphrases it to a sense quite the reverse, "as waters and as faces which are not like one to another, so the hearts of the children of men are not like one to another;'' and to the same sense are the Septuagint, Syriac, and Arabic versions. (m) Nat. Quaest. l. 1. c. 6. (n) Juvenal. Satyr. 2. v. 8.
Matthew Henry Bible Commentary
This intimates both the pleasure and the advantage of conversation. One man is nobody; nor will poring upon a book in a corner accomplish a man as the reading and studying of men will. Wise and profitable discourse sharpens men's wits; and those that have ever so much knowledge may by conference have something added to them. It sharpens men's looks, and, by cheering the spirits, puts a briskness and liveliness into the countenance, and gives a man such an air as shows he is pleased himself and makes him pleasing to those about him. Good men's graces are sharpened by converse with those that are good, and bad men's lusts and passions are sharpened by converse with those that are bad, as iron is sharpened by its like, especially by the file. Men are filed, made smooth, and bright, and fit for business (who were rough, and dull, and inactive), by conversation. This is designed, 1. To recommend to us this expedient for sharpening ourselves, but with a caution to take heed whom we choose to converse with, because the influence upon us is so great either for the better or for the worse. 2. To direct us what we must have in our eye in conversation, namely to improve both others and ourselves, not to pass away time or banter one another, but to provoke one another to love and to good works and so to make one another wiser and better.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
27:17 iron sharpens iron: Wisdom comes from interaction, often critical, with a good friend (see 27:6, 9).
Proverbs 27:17
Do Not Boast about Tomorrow
16restraining her is like holding back the wind or grasping oil with one’s right hand. 17As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another.
- Scripture
- Sermons
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Called to Be Accountable
By Andy Stanley4.9K41:49AccountabilityPRO 27:17MAT 18:15LUK 17:3GAL 6:1JAS 5:16In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of accountability in the Christian life. He argues that God does not expect us to struggle alone and that we all face the same temptations. The speaker shares personal examples of how he has sought accountability in his own life, including having multiple accountability partners. He also references a passage from Luke 17 that instructs believers to rebuke and forgive one another. The speaker suggests that the lack of accountability in society contributes to family breakdown and encourages listeners to embrace accountability in their own lives.
The Beginning, Increase and End of the Divine Life
By C.H. Spurgeon1.9K44:30PSA 23:2PSA 119:105PRO 27:17MAT 7:7LUK 22:19HEB 10:252PE 1:4In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the principle that although the beginnings of good things may be small, they will greatly increase over time. The preacher aims to provide practical applications of this principle. Firstly, to reassure those who are new in their faith, secondly, to strengthen their faith, and thirdly, to motivate them to be diligent in their spiritual journey. The preacher uses various metaphors, such as stars emerging in the night sky and a small stream growing into a mighty river, to illustrate the progression of good things. The sermon encourages believers to have confidence in their spiritual growth and to not be discouraged by comparing themselves to others.
Walking With God
By James A. Stewart1.6K42:08Walking With GodPRO 27:17AMO 3:3MAT 6:33ROM 12:2EPH 2:101TH 5:11HEB 10:24In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of walking with God and having a perfect agreement in the theme of conversation. He shares a personal story about a jeweler who sacrificed for his children and relates it to the joy of giving for the Lord's work. The speaker also highlights the cost of evangelizing the world and the opposition from the devil. He encourages believers to have conversations about their salvation experiences and how the Lord is leading them, fostering love and burden for serving the Lord together.
3 Chapel of the Air Interviews of Leonard Ravenhill
By Leonard Ravenhill1.5K00:002CH 7:14PRO 27:17EPH 4:292TI 4:2HEB 10:24This sermon discusses the importance of spiritual revival, emphasizing the need for discipline, depth in understanding, and a return to the profound teachings of earlier generations. It touches on the challenges and potential misuse of religious media, urging for a strong, consistent message rooted in holiness and the majesty of God. The speaker reflects on the state of the church, the impact of radio and television ministries, and the hope for a national revival.
The Friends of God
By Bill McLeod1.5K50:53Friend Of GodGEN 18:17EXO 33:11PSA 104:34PRO 27:17JHN 15:151JN 1:3In this sermon, the preacher shares a personal story about a man from his church who was in distress and came to see him. The man had experienced a family accident and was deeply affected by it. The preacher reflects on the importance of seeking God's guidance and not relying on our own plans. He emphasizes the need for Christians to prioritize spending quality time with God and shares examples from the Bible of individuals who dedicated time to God, such as Abraham and Moses. The preacher concludes by highlighting the transformative power of giving God quality time and encourages the congregation to do the same.
The Holy Spirit - Part 11
By Keith Daniel1.3K07:172CH 7:14PSA 51:10PRO 27:171TI 4:12JAS 5:16This sermon emphasizes the importance of encountering Christ and following godly examples, highlighting the impact of living a pure and noble life amidst the moral decadence of the world. The speaker humbly asks for prayers for himself and his family, acknowledging his weaknesses and dependence on God's strength. The congregation is urged to prioritize prayer, consistency in seeking God, and spreading the message of Jesus, while reflecting on their own lives and the need for genuine repentance and revival.
The Holy Spirit - Part 5
By Keith Daniel1.2K09:33PRO 27:17ROM 12:22CO 5:17JAS 4:71PE 4:2This sermon recounts a powerful testimony of a man's conversion to Christianity and his struggle with worldly temptations after being saved. It emphasizes the importance of genuine transformation in Christ, the impact of godly mentors in guiding spiritual growth, and the conviction to live a life dedicated to God despite societal pressures and opposition. The story highlights the profound change that occurs when one surrenders their life to God and the ongoing journey of faith and obedience.
The Functioning of the Church
By Zac Poonen1.1K1:15:48PRO 27:17MAT 16:18MAT 18:20EPH 6:12HEB 8:11This sermon emphasizes the importance of unity and love within the body of Christ. It highlights the power of prayer and agreement among believers to overcome the forces of darkness. The speaker shares personal experiences of how prayer and unity in the church have influenced government decisions and protected against anti-Christian laws. The message encourages humility, valuing every member of the church, and being willing to surrender personal opinions and traditions for God's will.
Stepping Into Alignment With God's Will
By Michael Howard1.1K1:13:29Gods Will1SA 14:6PSA 37:4PRO 27:17MAT 6:33ROM 12:10EPH 3:20In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of aligning oneself with God's will and purpose. They share their experience of building a school that was specifically instructed by God to change the leadership of nations. Despite facing challenges and doubts, they trusted in God's provision and saw miraculous results. The speaker also highlights the need for individuals to have a personal word from God and a clear purpose in order to avoid aimless living.
A Challenge to All Who Call on the Name of the Lord - Part 1
By Hamp Sirmans1.1K57:08ChallengeGEN 12:3PRO 19:11PRO 27:17MAT 6:332TI 3:16HEB 12:12PE 1:4In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of looking to Jesus in our Christian journey rather than relying on our own strength. He highlights three obstacles that hinder Christians from becoming who God wants them to be: offenses, change, and familiarity with Christ. The preacher reminds the congregation that even biblical figures like Abraham, Moses, David, and Peter had their flaws and shortcomings, but it didn't make them any less spiritual or usable by God. The sermon encourages believers to have a perfect heart towards God and to allow Him to work in their lives.
The Lord's Return
By Charles Anderson98100:00Second ComingPRO 16:24PRO 27:17ISA 53:5MAT 5:13MAT 6:33JHN 14:21CO 11:26In this sermon, the speaker shares a story about a substitute teacher who asked a question about the walls of Jericho and a student confidently volunteered to knock them down. The speaker then transitions to discussing signs that indicate the nearness of the tribulation period. He recommends a book by Charles Colson called "Against the Night" which highlights the corruption and potential collapse of Western civilization. The speaker also emphasizes the importance of paying attention to what is happening in Israel, as it relates to God's covenant people. Additionally, the speaker mentions the increasing ignorance of the word of God in general society as a preparation for the great tribulation period.
Believers, Disciples, Specialised
By Victor Choudhrie94420:28PRO 27:17ACT 2:11CO 12:29EPH 4:11This sermon emphasizes the importance of believers specializing in their spiritual gifts, drawing parallels to becoming specialized doctors in different fields. It discusses the fivefold ministry gifts from Ephesians 4:11, highlighting the roles of apostles, prophets, evangelists, and shepherds. The sermon encourages individuals to identify and upgrade their spiritual gifts, equipping them for effective ministry in their workplaces and beyond, ultimately aiming for the growth and edification of the church.
Revival Stories: Asahel Nettleton
By E.A. Johnston91618:26BiographyGEN 6:3PSA 46:10PRO 27:17MAT 6:33ACT 2:371PE 5:6REV 3:20In this sermon transcript, Asahel Nettleton describes a powerful revival of religion that took place in Nassau during the Second Great Awakening. He shares how his preaching pierced the hearts of the congregation, leading many to experience deep distress and seek relief in Christ. The revival spread rapidly, with hundreds of souls being born into the kingdom of Christ. Nettleton urges his listeners to pray for revival in their own time, emphasizing the need for a heaven-sent revival to save America.
Holl-06 De Toekomstige Bekering Van Israël (Israel's Coming Calamity)
By Art Katz9101:05:10HollandPRO 27:17MAT 6:33MAT 16:24MAT 17:14MAT 25:40ROM 9:15ROM 11:25In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the significance of the message being delivered to a nation that has shown heroic support for the Jewish people. The speaker prays for the word to be received and for the nation to be prepared for an upcoming event. They acknowledge the suffering and death that must precede glory and urge the church to understand and prepare for the necessary destiny of Israel. The speaker reflects on their own personal journey and the failures they experienced despite their success. They also discuss the state of Israel and its challenges, highlighting the misuse of funds by former political figures.
Survivalship - Part 1
By George Verwer89042:49SurvivalshipPRO 27:17ISA 59:19ROM 8:12CO 12:10PHP 4:13JAS 1:21JN 1:9In this sermon, the speaker explains the reason for having two speakers in the evening meeting, which is to provide a comprehensive understanding of biblical principles. The speaker shares how different principles help different people and how criticism can be both a difficulty and a blessing in life. The sermon emphasizes the importance of biblical principles in overcoming challenges and continuing to serve Christ. The speaker also highlights the significance of casting every care upon God and dealing with worry in the journey of discipleship.
28 - Vision of Development for Youth Training Centre
By Ben Torrey69708:30TrainingPRO 27:17MAT 28:19In this sermon, the speaker shares their vision for the development of the Three Seas Youth Training Center. They discuss their previous vision for Christian education and the Fourth River Project, as well as their desire to prepare for the opening of North Korea and eventual reunification. The speaker emphasizes the importance of teaching young people about North Korea's current situation and history, and instilling in them a concern for their brothers and sisters in the north. They also mention the opportunity for these young people to experience the beauty of nature and the love and care of the community. Overall, the speaker expresses excitement about God's vision for the center and the work being done to bring it about.
Cd Gv503 Om Goals
By George Verwer63000:00PRO 27:17MAT 28:19ACT 2:421CO 3:62TI 3:16In the sermon transcript, the speaker discusses the training and results of volunteers who stay on a ship for three weeks. He emphasizes the importance of inspiration, motivation, and being catalysts in ministry. The speaker also mentions the benefits of attending a conference and learning from the mistakes of leaders. Additionally, he highlights the value of books in deepening one's understanding of the Bible and reminds listeners of the importance of setting both short-term and long-term goals. The overall message encourages listeners to focus on their ultimate goals and to continually evaluate their progress.
Holiness With Fellowship
By Zac Poonen5931:07:38PRO 27:17ROM 12:5EPH 4:15HEB 10:241PE 3:7This sermon emphasizes the importance of holiness not just in personal life but also in building fellowship with others in the local church. It highlights the deception of having holiness without genuine fellowship, stressing the need to yield, support, and encourage one another in love. The speaker shares insights on selfishness, conflict resolution, and the significance of joint ministry in the body of Christ, illustrating how genuine holiness is manifested through building fellowship and unity.
Unreached Peoples: The Tribes of Myanmar Burma the Kayah
By Paul Hattaway51900:00GEN 24:17PSA 149:3PRO 27:17ECC 3:1This sermon reflects on a visit to a family in a village near the capital city, observing their daily activities like fetching water, threshing grain, and preparing a traditional dish. The conversation with the family touches on the changes in rice farming and the cultural significance of a collective dance performed by the youth at the foot of a famous mountain peak.
Unreached Peoples: The Tribes of Myanmar Burma the Kachin
By Paul Hattaway50700:00PRO 27:17ECC 4:9This sermon reflects on the significance of Lido Road as a vital connection during World War II, highlighting the confluence of the Eawri river flowing towards the Sea of Andaman. It explores the native Kachin villages' utilization of water power for energy generation and the abundance of jade mines in the region, contributing significantly to the economy. The cooperation between private companies and government authorities in jade mining is emphasized, showcasing mutual benefits. Additionally, the scene at the confluence where Kachin girls engage in cultural activities symbolizes the rich heritage and traditions of the Kachin people.
Prepare for Leadership
By George Verwer45349:44LeadershipPRO 27:17ROM 12:10GAL 6:9EPH 4:29COL 3:231TH 5:11JAS 1:19In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of believing in people and understanding them as a leader. He shares his own experience of witnessing the power of God in people's lives and how it has shaped his belief in them. The speaker also discusses the key qualities of leadership, such as giving orders without offending, probing into people's affairs, and working with a team. He highlights the importance of teamwork and the transformation that can occur in followers when they become leaders. The sermon concludes with a call for questions and a reminder to stay free from pressure and tension in leadership.
(Radical Jesus) 40 Radical Discipleship
By Glenn Meldrum30924:53DiscipleshipPRO 27:17MAT 6:33JHN 4:34JHN 6:38In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of relationships in the Christian life and discipleship. He uses a parable about a deformed man and a village of hunchbacks to illustrate the fallen state of humanity and the perfection of Jesus. The preacher highlights that discipleship is hindered if relationships with God and others are not properly established or maintained. He also emphasizes the need for preaching the Gospel and learning God's Word in order to grow in discipleship. The sermon concludes by emphasizing the importance of having a deep and obedient relationship with Christ, mirroring the perfect relationship between the Father, Son, and Spirit.
Leadership and Ministry Training (Question and Answer)
By Stephen Kaung28434:52PRO 27:17MAT 28:19JHN 14:261CO 12:12EPH 4:11COL 3:162TI 2:22TI 3:16HEB 13:171PE 5:2This sermon emphasizes the importance of shepherding others, starting with unbelievers if you are a new believer, and progressing to guiding and helping fellow believers. It discusses the responsibility of every believer to engage in shepherding, not being self-centered but useful in God's hands. The sermon also touches on the significance of interpreting the Bible beyond exact quotations, focusing on the spirit of the Word and personal experiences. Lastly, it explores the concept of discipleship, cautioning against humanly arranged discipleship and highlighting the need for divine guidance in mentoring relationships.
Marriage and the Mystery of Christ and His Church
By Michael Flowers15117:10MarriageGEN 2:24PRO 27:17MRK 10:91CO 12:12HEB 10:242PE 1:3REV 19:7In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of marriage as a sacred union between a man and a woman. He refers to the Gospel of Mark, where Jesus quotes Genesis 2, affirming that God created humans as male and female. The preacher highlights the relationship between Eric and Joanna Blossom, who started attending morning prayer together and eventually became a couple. He draws a parallel between their relationship and the relationship between Christ and the church, stating that Christian marriage can preach the good news of Jesus' sacrifice. The preacher concludes by offering a prayer for God's blessings and protection on the couple.
Marriage Q&a Part 2
By Shane Idleman141:11:50ParentingMarriagePRO 22:6PRO 27:17ECC 4:91CO 13:4GAL 6:1EPH 6:4PHP 4:13COL 3:21JAS 1:191PE 4:8Shane Idleman and his wife Morgan discuss the complexities of marriage, parenting, and pastoring in their sermon 'Marriage Q&A Part 2.' They address the challenges of handling criticism, the importance of communication in their relationship, and the need for transparency with their children about past struggles. They emphasize the significance of setting boundaries, maintaining a strong spiritual foundation, and the necessity of teaching their children about responsibility and the consequences of their actions. The couple shares their insights on navigating the chaos of family life while fostering a loving and supportive environment.
- Keil-Delitzsch
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Matthew Henry
- Tyndale
Carl Friedrich Keil and Franz Delitzsch Old Testament Commentary
This proverb expresses the influence arising from the intercourse of man with man: Iron is sharpened by iron, And a man may sharpen the appearance of another. When the Masora reads יחד, Ewald remarks, it interprets the word as denoting "at the same time," and the further meaning of the proverb must then accord therewith. Accordingly he translates: "iron together with iron! and one together with the face of another!" But then the prep. ב or עם is wanting after the second יחד - for יחד is, in spite of Ewald, 217h, never a prep. - and the "face," 17b, would be a perplexing superfluity. Hitzig already replies, but without doing homage to the traditional text-punctuation, that such a violence to the use of language, and such a darkening of the thought, is not at all to be accepted. He suggests four ways of interpreting יחד: (1) the adverb יחד, united, properly (taken accusat.) union; (2) יחד, Psa 86:11, imper. of the Piel יחד, unite; (3) יחדּ, Job 3:6, jussive of the Kal חדה, gaudeat; and (4) as Kimchi, in Michlol 126a, jussive of the Kal חדה (= חדד) acuere, after the form תחז, Mic 4:11. ויּחץ, Gen 32:8, etc. in p. יחד, after the form אחז, Job 23:9. ויּחל, Kg2 1:2 (= ויּחלא, Ch2 16:12). If we take יחד with בּרזל, then it is priori to be supposed that in יחד the idea of sharpening lies; in the Arab. iron is simply called hadyda = חדוּד, that which is sharpened, sharp; and a current Arab. proverb says: alḥadyd balḥadyd yuflah = ferrum ferro diffinditur (vid., Freytag under the word falah). But is the traditional text-punctuation thus understood to be rightly maintained? It may be easily changed in conformity with the meaning, but not so that with Bttcher we read יחד and יחד, the fut. Kal of חדד: "iron sharpeneth itself on iron, and a man sharpeneth himself over against his neighbour" - for פני after a verb to be understood actively, has to be regarded as the object - but since יחד is changed into יחד (fut. Hiph. of חדד), and יחד into יחד or יחד (fut. Hiph. of חדד, after the form אחל, incipiam, Deu 2:25, or אחל, profanabo, Eze 39:7; Num 30:3). The passive rendering of the idea 17a and the active of 17b thus more distinctly appear, and the unsuitable jussive forms are set aside: ferrum ferro exacuitur, et homo exacuit faciem amici sui (Jerome, Targ., the Venet.). But that is not necessary. As ויּעל may be the fut. of the Hiph. (he brought up) as well as of the Kal (he went up), so יחד may be regarded as fut. Kal, and יחד as fut. Hiph. Fleischer prefers to render יחד also as Hiph.: aciem exhibet, like יעשׁיר, divitias acquirit, and the like; but the jussive is not favourable to this supposition of an intransitive (inwardly transitive) Hiph. It may indeed be said that the two jussives appear to be used, according to poetic licence, with the force of indicatives (cf. under Pro 12:26), but the repetition opposes it. Thus we explain: iron is sharpened [gewetzt, Luther uses this appropriate word] by iron (ב of the means, not of the object, which was rather to be expected in 17b after Pro 20:30), and a man whets פני, the appearance, the deportment, the nature, and manner of the conduct of his neighbour. The proverb requires that the intercourse of man with man operate in the way of sharpening the manner and forming the habits and character; that one help another to culture and polish of manner, rub off his ruggedness, round his corners, as one has to make use of iron when he sharpens iron and seeks to make it bright. The jussive form is the oratorical form of the expression of that which is done, but also of that which is to be done.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
a man sharpeneth . . . friend--that is, conversation promotes intelligence, which the face exhibits.
John Gill Bible Commentary
As in water face answereth to face,.... As water is as a looking glass, in which a man may behold his own face and another's; or as the face in the water answers to the face of a man, and there is a great likeness between them. All things through water appear greater, as Seneca (m) observes, and so more clear and plain; so the heart of man to man; one man's heart may be seen and discerned in some measure by another, as by his countenance; for though, as the poet (n) says, "frontis nulla fides", yet the countenance is often the index of the mind, though not an infallible one; wrath and anger in the breast may be seen in the face, as were in Cain's; thus Jacob saw some resentment at him in the mind of Laban, and judged he had some design of mischief against him by the change of his countenance; also what is in the heart of man is discerned by what comes out of it, by his words, and also by his actions; yea, a man may know in a good measure what is in another man's heart, by what he finds in his own: the word of God is a glass, or medium of vision, and like water, in which a man's face is seen, through which a man sees his own heart; the law is a glass, in which an enlightened person sees not only the perfections of God, the nature of righteousness, but also his sin, and the sinfulness of it; this glass mother magnifies nor multiplies his sins, but sets them in a true light before him, by which he discerns heart sins, and sees and knows the plague of his heart; and the Gospel is a glass, wherein he beholds the glory of Christ, sees and can discern whether Christ is formed in him, and he has the grace of the Spirit of God wrought in his soul, as faith, hope, love, repentance, humility, self-denial, &c. moreover, as the face seen in the water is similar to a man's face, so the hearts of men are alike, not merely in a natural sense, see Psa 33:15; but in a moral and spiritual sense the hearts of unregenerate men are alike, and answer to each other; for they are all equally corrupted, one and depraved; the heart of every man is desperately wicked; the imaginations of the thoughts of the hearts or wicked men, one and all of them, are only evil, and that continually; their affections are inordinately the same, they love and hate the same persons and things; their minds and consciences are all defiled; their understandings are darkened; their wills are averse to that which is good, and bent on that which is evil: and so the hearts of good men are alike; they have all one heart and one way given them; their experiences agree as to the work of grace and conversion; they are all made sensible of sin, the evil of it, and danger by it; they are all brought off of their own righteousness, and are led to Christ to depend on him alone for righteousness, pardon, and eternal life; they are partakers of the same promises in the Gospel, and have the same enemies to grapple with, and the same temptations, trials, and exercises from sin, Satan, and the world; and they have the same things put into their hearts, the laws of God, the doctrines of Christ, and the several graces of the Spirit of Christ; so that there cannot be a greater likeness between a man's face and that seen in the water, than there is between the heart of one saint and another; the hearts of Old and New Testament saints, and of all in all ages and places, answer to one another. The Targum paraphrases it to a sense quite the reverse, "as waters and as faces which are not like one to another, so the hearts of the children of men are not like one to another;'' and to the same sense are the Septuagint, Syriac, and Arabic versions. (m) Nat. Quaest. l. 1. c. 6. (n) Juvenal. Satyr. 2. v. 8.
Matthew Henry Bible Commentary
This intimates both the pleasure and the advantage of conversation. One man is nobody; nor will poring upon a book in a corner accomplish a man as the reading and studying of men will. Wise and profitable discourse sharpens men's wits; and those that have ever so much knowledge may by conference have something added to them. It sharpens men's looks, and, by cheering the spirits, puts a briskness and liveliness into the countenance, and gives a man such an air as shows he is pleased himself and makes him pleasing to those about him. Good men's graces are sharpened by converse with those that are good, and bad men's lusts and passions are sharpened by converse with those that are bad, as iron is sharpened by its like, especially by the file. Men are filed, made smooth, and bright, and fit for business (who were rough, and dull, and inactive), by conversation. This is designed, 1. To recommend to us this expedient for sharpening ourselves, but with a caution to take heed whom we choose to converse with, because the influence upon us is so great either for the better or for the worse. 2. To direct us what we must have in our eye in conversation, namely to improve both others and ourselves, not to pass away time or banter one another, but to provoke one another to love and to good works and so to make one another wiser and better.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
27:17 iron sharpens iron: Wisdom comes from interaction, often critical, with a good friend (see 27:6, 9).