Definition and Context
Sharpening, in a biblical context, often refers to the process of making a tool or weapon more effective by honing its edge. This concept is used both literally and metaphorically throughout the Scriptures. The act of sharpening is associated with preparation, improvement, and readiness for action or service.

Biblical References
One of the most well-known verses that metaphorically uses the concept of sharpening is Proverbs 27:17: "As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another." This verse highlights the importance of mutual edification and the role of relationships in spiritual and personal growth. Just as iron tools are honed by friction with other iron, individuals are refined and improved through interaction and accountability with others.

In a literal sense, the Bible references the sharpening of tools and weapons as part of preparation for battle or work. For example, in 1 Samuel 13:20-21, the Israelites went down to the Philistines to sharpen their plowshares, mattocks, axes, and sickles. This passage illustrates the necessity of having well-maintained tools for effective labor and defense.

Symbolism and Application
Sharpening symbolizes the process of sanctification and spiritual growth. Just as a blade must be regularly sharpened to maintain its effectiveness, believers are called to continually seek spiritual renewal and growth through prayer, study of the Scriptures, and fellowship with other believers. The process of sharpening can be uncomfortable, as it involves friction and removal of dullness, but it is essential for becoming more effective in one's Christian walk.

The metaphor of sharpening also emphasizes the importance of community and accountability. In the body of Christ, believers are encouraged to build each other up, challenge one another, and provide support and correction when necessary. This mutual sharpening helps individuals to remain focused on their spiritual goals and to grow in their faith.

Practical Implications
In practical terms, sharpening can be seen as a call to be prepared and equipped for the tasks God has set before us. This involves not only personal spiritual discipline but also the willingness to engage with others in meaningful and sometimes challenging ways. It is a reminder that growth often comes through interaction and that God uses relationships to refine and strengthen His people.

Conclusion
The concept of sharpening in the Bible serves as a powerful metaphor for personal and communal growth. It underscores the importance of preparation, the value of relationships, and the necessity of ongoing spiritual development. Through the process of sharpening, believers are equipped to fulfill their God-given purposes with greater effectiveness and clarity.(p. pr. & vb. n.) of Sharpen.

Liii. The Contemplation of Death.
... white, and the bridegroom in his most gallant apparel, but as he went along, he
heard a sound of a file from the executioner's room, who was sharpening his axe ...
/.../liii the contemplation of death.htm

The Death of the Christian
... The reaper is coming. Even now I hear the sickle sharpening. The reaper hath
well edged it, and he shall soon cut the corn down. See! ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 1 1855/the death of the christian.htm

Death to Sin is the Way Out into a Life of Holiness.
... See this bit of gorse-bush. The whole year round the thorn has been hardening and
sharpening. ... The whole year round the thorn has been hardening and sharpening. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/trotter/parables of the cross/death to sin is the.htm

Hebrews x. 19-23
... But not unto emulation (he says) but "unto the sharpening of love." What is "unto
the sharpening of love"? Unto the loving and being loved more. ...
/.../homilies on the gospel of st john and hebrews/homily xix hebrews x 19-23.htm

For Eighteen Years, New Sects, Or, Rather, Posthumous Sects...
... world for the sole scene of existence; the body for the only condition of being;
the prolonging of life a few more years for its only hope; a sharpening of the ...
/.../lamartine/atheism among the people/xiv for eighteen years new.htm

Of the Method in which Grammarians and Professional Speakers are ...
... of which is the reason why they are called also mysteries, the power wielded by
these intricacies of enigmatical utterances in the way of sharpening our love ...
/.../augustine/on the catechising of the uninstructed/chapter 9 of the method in.htm

Cast Your Eye Round the Room in which You Sit...
... a fire. I have my doubts about pencil-sharpeners even for sharpening pencils;
and about hot water pipes even for heat. But when ...
/.../chesterton/whats wrong with the world/chapter 17 cast your eye.htm

When Lord Morley Said that the House of Lords must be Either ...
... With the state they are doing this; they are sharpening its machinery, they are
blackening in its black dogmatic lines, they are making mere government in ...
/.../chesterton/whats wrong with the world/chapter 43 when lord morley.htm

Ears and no Ears
... It is interesting to notice that our Lord, like the rest of us, had to use such
means of riveting and sharpening the attention of His hearers. ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture b/ears and no ears.htm

The True Branches of the True vine
... 'Ye are the branches' is the one side of that sharpening and making definite of
the truth in its personal application, and the other side is, 'Thou art the man ...
/.../the true branches of the.htm

Sharpening (1 Occurrence)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary (p. pr. & vb. n.) of Sharpen. Multi-Version
Concordance Sharpening (1 Occurrence). 1 Samuel 13:21 and it ...
/s/sharpening.htm - 6k

Knife (10 Occurrences)
... sacrifice (Ezra 1:9). (5.) Smaller knives (Hebrews ta'ar, Jeremiah 36:26)
were used for sharpening pens. The pruning-knives mentioned ...
/k/knife.htm - 13k

Grind (12 Occurrences)
... 10. (n.) The act of reducing to powder, or of sharpening, by friction. 11. (n.)
Any severe continuous work or occupation; esp., hard and uninteresting study. ...
/g/grind.htm - 11k

Whet (5 Occurrences)
... 2. (vt) To rub or on with some substance, as a piece of stone, for the purpose
of sharpening; to sharpen by attrition; as, to whet a knife. ...
/w/whet.htm - 8k

Tools (3 Occurrences)
... In 1 Samuel 13:21 English Versions of the Bible speaks of sharpening with a file,
but the text of the verse is hopelessly corrupt and the translation mere ...
/t/tools.htm - 14k

Pointing (13 Occurrences)
... n.) of Point. 2. (n.) The act of sharpening. 3. (n.) The act of designating, as
a position or direction, by means of something pointed, as a finger or a rod. ...
/p/pointing.htm - 10k

Sharpeneth (4 Occurrences)

/s/sharpeneth.htm - 7k

Steel (7 Occurrences)
... steel. 3. (n.) A weapon, as a sword, dagger, etc. 4. (n.) An instrument
of steel (usually a round rod) for sharpening knives. 5. (n ...
/s/steel.htm - 10k

Strap (4 Occurrences)
... stirrup strap. 3. (n.) A piece of leather, or strip of wood covered with
a suitable material, for sharpening a razor; a strop. 4. (n ...
/s/strap.htm - 8k

Sharpens (2 Occurrences)

/s/sharpens.htm - 6k

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