Bible Verse for Athletes: Understanding Proverbs 27:17
This Bible verse for athletes discipleship tool is designed for athletes, coaches, and parents to use either individually or in a group, using Proverbs 27:17 as a launching point into further discussion and application. It’s designed to assist in guiding a conversation about how God uses others to shape our growth. Read the verse, reflect on each question, and identify one practical step you can take this week to put it into action.
If you’ve ever been part of a great team, you’ve probably experienced what Proverbs 27:17 describes. It’s that mix of sweat, grit, and encouragement that happens when people push each other to get better. Whether it’s teammates battling in practice or a coach calling out more effort, it’s in those moments of resistance that growth happens.
When the author of Proverbs wrote that “iron sharpens iron,” they were pointing to a process of refinement. A dull blade doesn’t become sharp by sitting still — it needs contact with another piece of iron. The friction removes rough edges and hones the blade to its purpose. In the same way, we’re sharpened through relationships that challenge us. The process isn’t always smooth. Sparks fly. Egos bruise. But through those honest, sometimes uncomfortable interactions, God forms our character, deepens our humility, and strengthens our faith.
Sharpened by Teammates
Have you ever tried attempting a challenging workout by yourself? Sure, you can probably get through it. But it’s tough to do it by yourself, right? Every great athlete knows that growth doesn’t happen alone. You might lift more weight or run more sprints because of the person beside you. You might get called out for laziness, or encouraged when you’re struggling. That’s sharpening. And it’s rarely a fun experience. But fun and comfort is not the ultimate goal. Growth is the goal. In God’s design, teammates are gifts who push us toward excellence — not just in performance, but in integrity and perseverance.
Sometimes we are the ones initiating the friction. What does this look like practically? Being “iron” for someone else means you care enough to speak truth in love, to challenge apathy, and to call out potential. It also means being humble enough to let others do the same for you. The best teams are full of players who sharpen one another both physically and spiritually. They train together, compete together, and pray together. When your teammates make you better — and you make them better — everyone wins.
Sharpened by Rivals
But Proverbs 27:17 doesn’t stop at friendship. Sometimes our greatest sharpening comes from those who compete against us. Your fiercest rival can be one of God’s tools to shape you. The opponent who exposes your weaknesses teaches you where you need growth. The team that beats you reveals how you respond to disappointment. The rivalry that tests your pride shows you whether your identity rests in winning or in Christ. It’s so easy to allow those moments to impact our identity. But what if they became lessons instead?
Instead of resenting your rival, what if you thanked God for them? Now, we’re not suggesting you do this right after the final whistle blows. But what if, after some post game reflection, you were moved to gratitude instead of resentment. After all, your opponents draw out your best effort, reveal your character, and remind you that competition can be holy ground — a place where God refines your motives and your heart. Rivalry, when viewed rightly, can be one of the most powerful sharpening tools in the Christian athlete’s life.
Sharpened for God’s Glory
Iron sharpening iron isn’t about comparison or competition —it’s about growth. It’s about God using relationships, challenges, and even rivalries to form you into the image of Christ. God certainly does not need your permission to do this. But what if you invited him into your growth process? This week, ask God to use your teammates and opponents alike to sharpen you. Choose to embrace the friction that leads to faith, humility, and excellence. Because when iron sharpens iron, God’s glory can be reflected a little more clearly.
Reflection Questions
Who in your life helps sharpen your character, faith, or athletic ability — and how?
What does healthy “sharpening” look like on your team or in your family? What does unhealthy sharpening look like?
How can you be intentional about sharpening others — as a teammate, coach, or parent?
Think about your greatest rival. What has competing against them revealed about you (strengths, weaknesses, pride, motivation)?
What is one way you can invite God to use both teammates and opponents to make you more like Christ this season?
For a more in-depth resource on competition, read the article What the Bible Teaches About Healthy Competition.
