Proverbs 27:17 - Agreeable Disagreement

 "As iron sharpens iron, a friend sharpens a friend." Proverbs 27:17 (New Living Translation)

The implications of that verse have been blurry to me at times. I assumed that since it's talking about friends, they are basically on the same wavelength, just encouraging each other to be better people.

Even if it wasn't about this verse in particular, a professor of mine had a better take on it: "Making up your mind is like making up a bed--it helps to have someone on either side." (Walter M. Dunnett)

When there is so much acrimonious --even violent-- debate in our world today, there may be a temptation to avoid disagreements altogether. Just nod your head and duck before someone throws something at you. The problem isn't with disagreements, but with a lack of mutual respect and civility. 

2 with all humility and gentleness, with patience, [we should show] tolerance for one another in love, 3 being diligent to preserve the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. (Ephesians 4:2-3, New American Standard Bible, 1995) 

It's not a matter of choosing whether to disagree OR "preserve unity." Both are possible; both are necessary.

Father in heaven, teach us how to balance "keeping the peace" with challenging each other's thinking. Keep our minds sharp, but not our tongues. In Jesus' name, Amen.