Drink Devotional Method: Sharpening One Another (Proverbs 27)

Today, we turn to Proverbs chapter 27—a powerful collection of insights that highlight the value of true friendship, personal accountability, and wise living. As we walk through this chapter using the DRINK Devotional Method, let us open our hearts to God's wisdom about sharpening one another through godly counsel and relationships.

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D – Devotional Reading

Proverbs 27 (KJV)
1 Boast not thyself of to morrow; for thou knowest not what a day may bring forth.
2 Let another man praise thee, and not thine own mouth; a stranger, and not thine own lips.
3 A stone is heavy, and the sand weighty; but a fool's wrath is heavier than them both.
4 Wrath is cruel, and anger is outrageous; but who is able to stand before envy?
5 Open rebuke is better than secret love.
6 Faithful are the wounds of a friend; but the kisses of an enemy are deceitful.
7 The full soul loatheth an honeycomb; but to the hungry soul every bitter thing is sweet.
8 As a bird that wandereth from her nest, so is a man that wandereth from his place.
9 Ointment and perfume rejoice the heart: so doth the sweetness of a man's friend by hearty counsel.
10 Thine own friend, and thy father's friend, forsake not; neither go into thy brother's house in the day of thy calamity: for better is a neighbour that is near than a brother far off.
11 My son, be wise, and make my heart glad, that I may answer him that reproacheth me.
12 A prudent man foreseeth the evil, and hideth himself; but the simple pass on, and are punished.
13 Take his garment that is surety for a stranger, and take a pledge of him for a strange woman.
14 He that blesseth his friend with a loud voice, rising early in the morning, it shall be counted a curse to him.
15 A continual dropping in a very rainy day and a contentious woman are alike.
16 Whosoever hideth her hideth the wind, and the ointment of his right hand, which bewrayeth itself.
17 Iron sharpeneth iron; so a man sharpeneth the countenance of his friend.
18 Whoso keepeth the fig tree shall eat the fruit thereof: so he that waiteth on his master shall be honoured.
19 As in water face answereth to face, so the heart of man to man.
20 Hell and destruction are never full; so the eyes of man are never satisfied.
21 As the fining pot for silver, and the furnace for gold; so is a man to his praise.
22 Though thou shouldest bray a fool in a mortar among wheat with a pestle, yet will not his foolishness depart from him.
23 Be thou diligent to know the state of thy flocks, and look well to thy herds.
24 For riches are not for ever: and doth the crown endure to every generation?
25 The hay appeareth, and the tender grass sheweth itself, and herbs of the mountains are gathered.
26 The lambs are for thy clothing, and the goats are the price of the field.
27 And thou shalt have goats' milk enough for thy food, for the food of thy household, and for the maintenance for thy maidens.

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R – Reflection

This chapter reminds me how important godly relationships are in shaping my walk with the Lord. Verse 17—"Iron sharpeneth iron; so a man sharpeneth the countenance of his friend"—speaks straight to my heart. I realize that I need friends who will lovingly challenge me and hold me accountable in my faith. Verse 6, which says "Faithful are the wounds of a friend," may feel uncomfortable, but it confirms that real love sometimes means speaking truth that hurts in order to help.

The warning in verse 1 humbles me—"Boast not thyself of to morrow;"—because I often live as though I control the future. This chapter invites me to pause and appreciate today, walk humbly, and remain teachable through both rebuke and counsel. My heart is stirred to value honesty, loyalty, and spiritual friendship that strengthens, not flatters.

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I – Instruction: Identify key lessons, commands, or promises to follow or hold onto.

1. Seek wise and honest friendships that bring accountability and spiritual growth (v.17).

2. Avoid prideful boasting about tomorrow; trust God for each day (v.1).

3. Accept correction as a sign of genuine love (v.5–6).

4. Stay diligent in your responsibilities and stewardship (v.23–27).

5. Do not envy or trust flattery; pursue integrity (v.4, v.14).

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N – Now Live It

Today, I choose to reach out to a godly friend who sharpens me and thank them. I will also ask God to help me be that kind of friend—one who speaks truth with grace and points others to Christ. I will examine my heart for pride or self-reliance and recommit to walking in humility, accountability, and purpose.

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K – Kneel in Prayer

Gracious Father, thank You for the gift of faithful friends who sharpen me in my walk with You. Help me welcome correction and not shy away from honest rebuke. Teach me to speak truth with love and to be an encouragement to others who follow Christ. Guard my heart from pride and boasting. Keep me mindful of my responsibilities and remind me daily that my satisfaction is found only in You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

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You may also read our Proverbs 26 Devotional.

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What is DRINK Devotional Method?

The DRINK Devotional Method is a structured personal devotional approach designed to help believers engage with Scripture to intentionally walk and grow daily with Christ. Each letter in DRINK stands for a step while doing your silent moment with the scripture:

• D – Devotional Reading: Read the selected Bible passage slowly and reverently (Preferably at least 1 chapter).
• R – Reflection: Meditate on the truths revealed and how they apply to our walk with God.
• I – Instruction: Identify key lessons, commands, or promises to follow or hold onto.
• N – Now Live It: Commit to a specific action or change based on what God has shown.
• K – Kneel in Prayer: Close with a sincere prayer, asking the Lord for grace to live out His Word.

Whether you’re just starting a daily devotional habit or seeking a more meaningful Christian devotional routine, DRINK offers a simple yet powerful guide to draw closer to God and let His Word shape your life.

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You may also read my daily devotions here.

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