Proverbs 27:15-27
15 A continual dripping on a very rainy day
And a contentious woman are alike;
16 Whoever restrains her restrains the wind,
And grasps oil with his right hand.
17 As iron sharpens iron,
So a man sharpens the countenance of his friend.
18 Whoever keeps the fig tree will eat its fruit;
So he who waits on his master will be honored.
19 As in water face reflects face,
So a man's heart reveals the man.
20 Hell and Destruction are never full;
So the eyes of man are never satisfied.
21 The refining pot is for silver and the furnace for gold,
And a man is valued by what others say of him.
22 Though you grind a fool in a mortar with a pestle along with crushed grain,
Yet his foolishness will not depart from him.
23 Be diligent to know the state of your flocks,
And attend to your herds;
24 For riches are not forever,
Nor does a crown endure to all generations.
25 When the hay is removed, and the tender grass shows itself,
And the herbs of the mountains are gathered in,
26 The lambs will provide your clothing,
And the goats the price of a field;
27 You shall have enough goats' milk for your food,
For the food of your household,
And the nourishment of your maidservants.
These various sayings of wisdom seem centered around verses 17 and 19. These tell us about a man sharpening the understanding and knowledge of his friends that they may gain a heart of wisdom, and about how what is in a man’s heart is what comes out (Mark 7:21, Matthew 12:35, Proverbs 23:7) to reveal who he really is before God. This is why the argumentative woman is used as an example of constant dripping out of a troubled heart, and others are unable to stop the incessant flow of what comes out the mouth from that heart. We reap what we sow and a servant receives a well done when doing his or her duty (Like 17:10). Yes, Hell and destruction are constantly receiving new people who are never satisfied with what God’s grace daily supplies as they seek greater gain for themselves. God wishes to refine us like precious metals to remove the dross of sin and other pollutants of the heart. The results are often noticed by others and we hear of the sanctifying metamorphosis from their accolades. But foolish ones cannot have their foolishness ground out of them or removed like dross because they do not listen to wisdom not heed God’s commands for change. We are to be diligent with sharpe each other (Hebrews 10:24-25) for lasting crowns and works which last as given to us (Ephesians 2:10, 1 Corinthians 3:12-13). The grass of growth is revealed when the loose hay is taken away and we reap of the fruits of the land. Yes, we will have enough for ourselves and our households of faith if we remain faithful. These are wise sayings to sharpen each other in fellowship of the word (2 Timothy 3:16-17) in a reflecting heart of wisdom.
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