“As iron sharpens iron, so a man sharpens the countenance of his friend” (Proverbs 27:17).
As John Donne famously observed over four hundred years ago, “No man is an island, entire of himself.” We share a common humanity. We do affect each other.
For the blade of an iron sword to get sharper, it must come in vigorous contact with something of an equal firmness. Few materials other than iron can measure up to the task.
For you to become better spiritually, intellectually, physically, you are going to have to face hard and difficult challenges. It is with the grindstone of tribulation that your faith be sharpened into perseverance and character (Rom. 5:3-4).
In like manner, a friend who will help you become a better version of yourself (Prov. 27:5-6) is made of the highest quality iron you can find.
