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This is Proverb Pic, the daily devotional newsletter that helps Christians become wiser in 2 minutes a day.

Proverb of the day

Proverb Pic

Meditation

This proverb is about the value of friendship that make you grow. A genuine friend provides guidance. They share honest advice (27:9). They push each other to grow and face challenges, showing sensitivity and openness, while also suggesting ways the other could improve. Friends often engage in productive disagreements that enhance each other's understanding of themselves and the world.

The process of sharpening can often be painful or uncomfortable because it typically involves challenges, difficulties, and confrontations that push us out of our comfort zones. Here's why:

Challenging Beliefs and Perspectives: Interacting with others often challenges our beliefs, attitudes, and perceptions. This can be uncomfortable, especially when these beliefs are deeply ingrained or cherished. However, such challenges can also lead to personal growth.

Facing Criticism: Part of the sharpening process often involves receiving feedback or criticism, which can be hard to accept. However, constructive criticism is one of the most effective ways to identify our weaknesses and areas for improvement.

Conflict: Sometimes, sharpening comes through conflict. Disagreements can force us to reevaluate our viewpoints, consider other perspectives, and find common ground or solutions.

In essence, the process of "sharpening" in the proverb involves a lot of self-reflection, personal development, and change, all of which can be difficult or uncomfortable. But it's through facing these challenges that we grow and become better versions of ourselves.

Therapists give advice, but it's not a two-way street. Bosses may critique you, but it wouldn't be right for you to criticize them in the same way. The shared, deep advice that friends can offer each other is uncommon and essential. Sometimes it's enjoyable and agreeable (27:9 on June 18), other times it's direct and might hurt (27:17). Authentic friendship is both comforting and invigorating. If you experience this type of interaction and growth in a romantic or family relationship, it's because you've integrated this aspect of friendship into those relationships. But without it, you'll never fully grow into the person you could become. It hones you like nothing else can.

Prayer

Lord, help us to receive feedback as constructive and not criticism

Application question

How many people do you have in your life where there's a mutual exchange of guidance and feedback?

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