sharpening others

Proverbs 27:17

I have heard folks use this verse to excuse correcting someone else with abrasive words or tone. The modern translations say, “as one person sharpens another;” giving the impression that human beings all respond well to abrasiveness. But the Hebrew says, “as one man sharpens another.” In other words, men — male members of the human race — who are friends or brothers, who know each other well, might appreciate being sharpened abrasively. For most of the rest of us, however, Scripture has a different admonition … (to be continued) … ♥