The Tribune

By JEFFARAH GIBSON

Tribune Features Writer

THE night before an important game for the Denver Broncos in the 2011 NFL season, quarterback Tim Tebow was asked by the coach to rev up the team with a motivational message.

Instead of the usual pep talk, the Broncos received something much more. According to the Denver Post, Tim Tebow recited the scripture, Proverbs 27:17, which states: "as iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another". That message got his teammates motivated to make the fourth-quarter comeback and rally past rival, San Diego Chargers, for a 16-13 overtime win, the team's fourth consecutive win.

"He said iron sharpens iron and men sharpen other men. And I think that's totally true," said rookie linebacker Von Miller to The Post. "He gave us a great speech. We came out (for the game) fired up. And that was a wrap."

It was a huge honor to be given the chance to speak, said Tebow. "I just tried to share from the heart," he said.

The scripture rang true for the Denver Broncos, and it rings true for many others.

Fr James Palacious, archdeacon of the Anglican Diocese told Tribune Religion that this scripture demonstrates how individuals who are at their best can impact other people in very positive ways.

"Iron is hard and it is sharp. It has to be this way in order to sharpen iron. When humans are optimal they have the ability to bring out the best in those around them. This scripture is just about people bringing out the best in each other," he said.

Martha Rolle a Catholic faithful, said she has a strong belief in this scripture. She said several years ago she was surrounded by individuals who were not at their best. Eventually she became the same way, as the persons she kept company with.

"That was pulling me down because they had a very negative outlook on life. When you surround yourself with positive people you become a positive. I had to turn myself loose of some of those friends because if I did not I would not be where I am today," she said.

A situation that this Proverb can be applied to is that of a teacher and a student. If a student has a great teacher that teacher will be able to take the student to its highest potential, said David Taylor, a Christian devotee.

"Some people wonder why we have so many children who are leaving school uneducated and that could be because the teachers who are supposed to sharpen them need sharpening themselves. But when a teacher is the best that he or she can be, she will bring out the best in that student," he said.