Iron sharpens Iron

Iron sharpens Iron

“As Iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens [and influences] another [through discussion].”

Proverbs 27:17 AMP

 Bible Reading: 2 Samuel 13: 1-22

There’s a common saying, show me your friend and I will tell who you are and perhaps the tendency of what you may become. Who we relate with plays important roles in our lives. Many times, our friends define and influence us. Our relationship can add to or subtract from us. The kind of people we are in connection and relationship with can determine many things about our lives.

In our Bible reading today, Ammon the son of David fell in love with his half-sister, Tamar. Amnon’s desire was so serious that he became frustrated and sick because he could not do anything with Tamar. He discussed it with his friend, Jonadab, who was very shrewd and cunning, so Jonadab counseled Amnon wrongly. Jonadab‚’s counsel was not different from Jonadab’s character and personality. Jonadab’s counsel poisoned Amnon’s mind, he then pretended to be was sick, requesting for Tamar to take care of him and there Amnon raped Tamar, his half-sister.  This singular incident caused an irreversible hatred and problem in the household of king David.

Who is your friend? There is a saying in Yoruba (South-West, Nigeria) that a sheep that walks with a dog will eat feces. Meaning that evil communication corrupts good manners. May God help us to be wise in our choice of friends and associates.

Action Point: Examine your friends today and prayerfully do away with those that do not encourage you to make the right choice.

Daily confession: Lord, help me choose the right friends that would support your purpose for me as well as the propagation of your Kingdom.

Hymn:  I’ve found a friend in Jesus,

              He’s everything to me,

              He’s the fairest of ten thousand to my soul;

              The Apple-tree of trees, in Him alone I see

              All I need to cleanse and make me fully whole.

              In sorrow He’s my comfort,

              In trouble He’s my stay,

             He tells me every care on Him to roll:

             He’s the Apple-tree of trees,

             the Bright and Morning Star,

             He’s the fairest of ten thousand to my soul.