**The Wisdom of Iron and the Folly of Pride**
In the bustling city of Tekoa, nestled among the rolling hills of Judah, there lived a man named Jotham. He was a farmer, known throughout the region for his abundant olive groves and flocks. But more than his wealth, Jotham was respected for his wisdom, for he had spent many years meditating on the words of the Lord and the teachings of the wise.
One morning, as the golden sun stretched its fingers over the land, Jotham sat beneath the shade of an ancient terebinth tree, his closest friend, Nathan, beside him. Nathan was a blacksmith, his hands calloused from years of shaping iron. The two had been friends since childhood, and their bond was strong—like the unbreakable metal Nathan forged.
Jotham turned to Nathan and said, *”As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another.”* He gestured to the blade Nathan had been honing. “See how the edge grows keener with each stroke? So it is with friendship. Your words have often corrected me, and in turn, I pray my counsel has strengthened you.”
Nathan nodded thoughtfully, wiping sweat from his brow. “True words, my brother. Many seek friends who only flatter them, but a faithful wound from a friend is better than the kisses of an enemy.”
Just then, a young man named Reuben approached, his face flushed with agitation. He was the son of a wealthy merchant and had recently inherited his father’s estate. “Jotham!” he called. “I need your counsel. My brothers question my decisions, saying I am too proud in my dealings. But I know what is best for my inheritance!”
Jotham studied the young man’s face, seeing the stubborn set of his jaw. “Reuben,” he said gently, “do not boast about tomorrow, for you do not know what a day may bring. Pride leads only to strife, but humility precedes honor.”
Reuben scoffed. “I do not need lectures. My father’s house is secure, and my wealth is great. What have I to fear?”
Nathan, who had been listening quietly, set down his tools. “A prudent man sees danger and takes refuge, but the simple keep going and suffer for it. Heed wise counsel, Reuben, lest your confidence become your downfall.”
But Reuben waved them off and strode away, his heart hardened by pride.
Days turned into weeks, and the seasons shifted. The rains came, swelling the brooks and softening the earth. Jotham and Nathan continued their labor—one tending the flock, the other crafting tools for the village. But word soon reached them that Reuben had gambled away much of his wealth in reckless trades, trusting in his own wisdom rather than seeking guidance.
One evening, as the sun dipped below the horizon, Reuben returned to Jotham’s home, his shoulders slumped in defeat. “I should have listened,” he confessed, his voice heavy with regret. “My pride has cost me everything.”
Jotham placed a hand on his shoulder. “The crucible is for silver, and the furnace for gold, but a man is tested by the praise he receives. Let this trial refine you, Reuben, not destroy you.”
Nathan added, “Better is open rebuke than hidden love. We spoke harshly because we care for you.”
Tears welled in Reuben’s eyes as the truth settled in his heart. From that day forward, he humbled himself, learning to seek wisdom rather than trust in his own understanding.
And so, the words of the wise proved true once more: *Iron sharpens iron, and a friend’s faithfulness is a gift from the Lord.* In the quiet hills of Tekoa, three men walked in wisdom, their lives a testament to the enduring truth of God’s Word.
