How does Mary's visit connect to Proverbs 27:17 about mutual encouragement?

Mary and Elizabeth: a living illustration of Proverbs 27:17

“ As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another.” (Proverbs 27:17)

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The scene in Luke 1:39-56

• “Mary got ready and hurried to the hill country of Judah… ” (Luke 1:39-40)

• Elizabeth, six months pregnant with John, is “filled with the Holy Spirit” when Mary greets her (v. 41).

• Elizabeth blesses Mary (vv. 42-45).

• Mary responds with the Magnificat, a burst of Scripture-saturated praise (vv. 46-55).

• Mary remains “about three months” (v. 56), sharing daily life, prophecy, and worship.

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How the visit sharpens faith

• Immediate, Spirit-led affirmation

– Elizabeth declares, “Blessed is she who has believed that the Lord’s word to her will be fulfilled” (v. 45).

– Her words strengthen Mary’s confidence in God’s promise (cf. Romans 1:11-12).

• Shared joy magnifies the Lord

– Both women exalt God rather than themselves (Luke 1:42, 46).

– Praise directs hearts upward, the sharpest edge against doubt (Psalm 34:3).

• Scripture-soaked conversation

– Mary’s Magnificat weaves Genesis, Samuel, Psalms, and Isaiah together, modeling how believers refine each other with the Word (Colossians 3:16).

• Long-term presence

– Three months of fellowship allow daily reminders of God’s faithfulness, echoing Hebrews 10:24-25: “Let us consider how to spur one another on to love and good deeds … encouraging one another”.

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Practical takeaways for believers

• Seek out godly companions who will speak Spirit-filled truth when promises feel distant.

• Let conversations overflow with Scripture; the Word is the whetstone that keeps faith sharp.

• Celebrate God’s work in others—genuine blessing disarms envy and fuels worship.

• Give the gift of time; consistent presence often encourages more deeply than a single word.