"What does it mean that iron sharpens iron?"
The phrase “iron sharpens iron” is found in Proverbs 27:17: “As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another.” There is mutual benefit in the rubbing of two iron blades together; the edges become sharper, making the knives more efficient in their task to cut and slice. Likewise, the Word of God is a “double-edged sword” Hebrews 4:12, and it is with this that we are to sharpen one another—in times of meeting, fellowship, or any other interaction.
The proverb also indicates the need for regular fellowship with one another. God said, it was not good for man to be alone. We want to come together with our brothers in Christ for times of fellowship and prayer. Clearly, this was practiced by the early church Acts 2:42–47, who “devoted themselves” to teaching, fellowship, communion, and prayer, all corporate activities that provided opportunities for sharpening one another.
The proverb also indicates the need for regular fellowship with one another. God said, it was not good for man to be alone. We want to come together with our brothers in Christ for times of fellowship and prayer. Clearly, this was practiced by the early church Acts 2:42–47, who “devoted themselves” to teaching, fellowship, communion, and prayer, all corporate activities that provided opportunities for sharpening one another.