Iron Sharpens Iron: The Friction That Fuels Growth in Life and Business

Let's be real for a moment. Growth—real, transformative growth—isn’t comfortable. It’s not sitting in a bubble of affirmation, avoiding hard conversations, or surrounding yourself with “yes people” who never challenge you.

No, growth is friction. It's heat.

It's the uncomfortable process of being sharpened, shaped, and sometimes even scraped down so that you can be more effective in your life, your leadership, and your business.

Proverbs 27:17 says it best: “As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.”

That's not a feel-good, soft-edged verse. It's a verse about intentional refinement, about being in relationships that challenge you, push you, and even make you a little uncomfortable because that's where sharpening happens.

And here's the kicker—if you're not being sharpened, you're getting dull.

The Painful, Powerful Process of Sharpening

Iron sharpening iron isn't gentle. It's not a light polishing; it's metal grinding against metal.

Sparks fly. Edges are reshaped.

Pieces of the blade are literally shaved away to reveal a sharper, more effective edge.

That’s what happens in life and business when you surround yourself with the right people.

• The mentor who calls you out when you’re playing small.
• The business partner who challenges your assumptions.
• The friend who tells you the truth even when it stings.
• The Holy Spirit, working within you, convicting you, refining you, and pushing you to step up.

That kind of friction? It's uncomfortable.

It might even hurt. But it's the very thing that makes you better.

Now, here's where most people get stuck: They resist the sharpening process. They avoid hard conversations, dismiss feedback, or stay in circles where no one challenges them.

And in doing so, they rob themselves of greatness.

How This Plays Out in Business

In business, the difference between success and stagnation often comes down to your willingness to embrace friction. Think about it:

• If you only work with people who agree with you, you miss out on innovation.
• If you refuse constructive criticism, your blind spots grow.
• If you don't challenge your own thinking, your business stays stuck in the status quo.

Every great leader, entrepreneur, and game-changer in history had people in their lives who sharpened them. Steve Jobs had Steve Wozniak. Warren Buffett had Charlie Munger.

👉 Even Jesus had His disciples—and He sharpened them through challenges, questions, and moments of deep refinement.

If you're in business and no one is sharpening you, it's time to ask yourself: Am I avoiding friction out of fear, or am I stepping into it for the sake of growth?

Sharpening in Life: Who's Holding You Accountable?

It’s not just business. Life requires sharpening, too.

Look around.

Who in your circle is pushing you to be a better version of yourself? Who challenges your habits, your mindset, and your faith walk? Who loves you enough to tell you the truth?

And let's flip the script—who are YOU sharpening?

• Are you encouraging your team to grow, or are you letting them coast?
• Are you calling out the best in your spouse, your kids, your friends?
• Are you willing to have the tough conversations that lead to real transformation?

Because here's the deal: Dull people don’t sharpen others. You can’t pour into others if you’re avoiding growth yourself.

How to Step into the Sharpening Process

1. Invite Feedback – Find people who will challenge you in truth and love. Let them speak into your life, even when it’s uncomfortable.
2. Stay Humble – Growth requires humility. Be open to learning, changing, and refining yourself.
3. Embrace the Friction – Stop avoiding discomfort. The very thing you resist might be the thing that sharpens you the most.
4. Sharpen Others – Be the person who speaks life, encouragement, and truth to those around you. Help others grow by challenging them in love.

Life and business aren't about staying safe. They're about stepping into the refining fire, embracing the friction, and becoming sharper, wiser, and more effective.

So, my challenge to you is this: Who's sharpening you?

And who are you sharpening?

A Moment for Reflection and Prayer

If you're ready to step into this sharpening process, let's take a moment and pray:

God, I thank You for the people You’ve placed in my life to challenge and refine me. Give me the humility to receive sharpening with grace and the courage to embrace growth, even when it's uncomfortable.

Surround me with mentors, friends, and leaders who will make me sharper, wiser, and more effective for Your purpose.

And Lord, help me to be that person for others—to encourage, challenge, and sharpen those You've entrusted to me.

In Jesus' name, Amen.

Now, go out there. Get sharpened.

Sharpen others.

And step into the person—and the business leader—God has called you to be.