Proverbs 25:11-14 Complete Jewish Bible
11 Like apples of gold in settings of silver
is a word appropriately spoken.
12 Like a gold earring, like a fine gold necklace
is a wise reprover to a receptive ear.
13 Like the coldness of snow in the heat of the harvest
is a faithful messenger to the one who sends him;
he refreshes his master’s spirit.
14 Like clouds and wind that bring no rain
is he who boasts of gifts he never gives.
Word of God for the Children of God
Glory be to the Father,
and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost;
as it was in the beginning,
is now, and ever shall be,
world without end. Amen, amen.
What is a Christian view of mentorship?
Mentoring is deeply rooted in the Bible, where it is seen as an essential practice for spiritual growth and discipleship.
In both the Old and New Testaments, God calls believers to guide others in their faith, with examples like Moses and Elijah mentoring Joshua and Elisha, and Paul disciplining and instructing Timothy and Titus in their leadership roles.
The Christian view of mentorship is centered on pointing others toward Christ, not as perfect individuals but as people who humbly strive to imitate only Him.
Mentors are called to lead with eagerness in their faith, humility, and a willingness to help others grow in their relationship with God.
Ultimately, mentoring is a responsibility for all believers, encouraging spiritual maturity and about living in a humble, honest community with one another as we grow in Christ-likeness and live with His purpose for the kingdom of God.
From the old testament
- As God’s laws were given to the nation of Israel, God told the people to not only follow them personally but to also teach them to their children, mentoring them in the ways God wanted the people to follow (Deuteronomy 6:4-9).
- Parents should teach their children the way of faith when they are young so that they may follow it for a lifetime (Proverbs 22:6).
- Believers should sharpen each other, just as iron sharpens iron (Proverbs 27:17).
- The prophet Elijah mentored the younger prophet Elisha, the older teaching the younger to take up the mantra of leadership, to follow God’s ways and to lead the nation of Israel well as a prophet (2 Kings 2:1-15).
From the new testament
- The Great Commission, Jesus’ last instructions to His disciples, instructs us to go into the world and create more disciples, teaching them to obey His commands, thus mentoring them in the faith (Matthew 28:18-20).
- Those who mentor us should be imitating Christ, and we, as mentors ourselves, should be imitating Christ. Christ is the highest example of how we live our lives (1 Corinthians 11:1, Ephesians 5:1-2).
- Those who mentor are not perfect and will never attain perfection in this life and should not be viewed as perfect people who make no mistakes. Mentors should be honest about confronting their sin and striving toward Christ (Philippians 3:12-14).
- Older men in the faith are to mentor and teach younger men and likewise, with women mentoring women. All the things taught by those older to the younger are done so as a way to glorify God and make the teaching about Him more attractive to others (Titus 2:1-10).
- Christian mentors should guide those learning from them with eagerness and willingness, sacrifice, avoid burdening those in their charge, but being good examples of following Christ (1 Peter 5:2-3).
Implications for today
Mentoring, as described in the Bible, is an essential aspect of the Christian life, meant to help believers grow closer in their connectional relationship to Christ.
It’s not just about imparting knowledge or giving people a set of rules to follow.
Rather, it is about living alongside others, sharing life experiences, and walking with them as they grow in their faith.
Mentoring relationships point us toward Christ-likeness with humility and in community. Mentors should not be seen as flawless but as people who are, like everyone else, are growing in grace and seeking to follow Christ more closely.
Mentoring is a sacred covenant responsibility of every believer—not just by church leaders or older Christians.
It can take many forms, from formal one-on-one discipleship to informal relationships within the body of Christ.
The focus should always be on pointing others away from sin, towards Christ encouraging them to reflect His character in all areas of life.
As we guide others, we not only strengthen their faith but deepen our own, becoming more like the very Christ we seek to emulate.
Mentoring requires humility as we recognize and admit that we are not yet fully sanctified, and yet we continue to press on toward becoming more disciplined and more motivated to become Christ-like, encourage others to do the same.
Each of us, regardless of age or maturity level, has the opportunity to be both mentored and mentor, creating a culture of growth and mutual encouragement within the body of Christ.
Understand
- Believers are called to mentor other believers toward closer relationships with Christ.
- Mentors should point people to Jesus.
- Mentors should not be viewed as perfect; rather mentors and those being mentored should strive together to imitate Christ, the One we follow.
Reflect
- How have you been mentored in your own faith, and how have those relationships helped you grow closer to Christ?
- Why is mentoring, regardless of your age or experience, important in the body of Christ?
- Are there areas in your life where you are reluctant to be vulnerable or humble as a mentor? How can you overcome those barriers to better guide others?
engagement
- What are important qualities in a Christian mentor, based on Scripture?
- How does viewing mentorship as a two-way relationship—where both the mentor and the mentee are growing together—shape our approach to discipleship?
- What are some practical ways we can help create a culture of mentorship for believers, especially when it comes to encouraging younger or newer believers?
All of us need a little wisdom now and then, and the most trusted source of wisdom is God’s Word.
The beauty of Biblical mentorship is that it points people to the truth of the Scriptures, helping them wisely discern the enemy’s lies and receive spiritual breakthrough.
Here are even more powerful benefits of Biblical mentorship.
It Draws Us Together in Jesus’ Name
“For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them.” (Matthew 18:20)
Whenever I meet with someone, by chance, online or in person, I begin our time by assuring them that as we gather in Jesus,’ name, He is with us.
Every issue, every struggle, and every topic is committed to the Lord, knowing He sees and hears.
As Jesus said in John 14:13-14, “And whatever you ask in My name, that I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If you ask anything in My name, I will do it.” (NKJV)
This kind of assurance is key to helping people trust God in all things.
Solid mentorship programs draw people together, fulfilling God’s desire that we seek Him in oneness of heart and mind.
Psalm 133:1 says, “How good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity!”
As we seek His will and way, and truth the Holy Spirit draws us into greater peace by reminding us of everything Jesus taught. (John 14:26)
Life’s issues become more manageable when brother s and sisters help carry each other’s burdens.
This is the beauty of Biblical mentorship, in Jesus’ holy name.
It Fulfills God’s Order of Things
“As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.” (Proverbs 27:17)
Although it’s tempting to live independently from others, we were never created to do life alone.
Biblical mentorship provides the opportunity to fulfill our God-given calling, sharpening each other’s faith and offering encouragement along the way.
The passage she’s referring to in Titus says, “Older women…are to be reverent in their behavior…teaching what is right and good, so that they may encourage the young women to love their husbands and their children tenderly.”
No matter how old (or young) you are, you have a purpose in the Body of Christ.
Biblical mentorship is one of many ways to fulfill God’s call on your life, walking alongside others in a supportive way.
As 1 Timothy 4:12 says, “Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity.”
Paul’s encouragement to Timothy is a good reminder that God places young and old together for a definite reason. Both have something to offer the other, and this is a beautiful representation of what Biblical mentorship is all about.
It Gives Us Clarity
“For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart.” (Hebrews 4:12 ESV)
Anytime believers open the Word of God, they can expect to find the answers they seek.
The Bible is not just an ordinary book of information, but a living book of transformation.
Biblical mentorship is grounded in God’s Word, making the Scriptures central to everything that takes place.
The advice of a trustworthy mentor will always align with the Bible and point to God’s will above their own.
The person who is seeking wise counsel will also be attuned to what is true, as Proverbs 18:15 says, “The heart of the discerning acquires knowledge, for the ears of the wise seek it out.”
Ultimately, the beauty of Biblical mentorship is the truest clarity brought to challenging situations. What might have seemed impossible to the one in need of mentorship becomes possible as God provides wisdom and insight.
As the Psalmist said,
“Teach me, Lord, the way of your decrees, that I may follow it to the end. Give me understanding, so that I may keep your law and obey it with all my heart. Direct me in the path of your commands, for there I find delight. Turn my heart toward your statutes and not toward selfish gain.” (Psalm 119:33-36)
If you’ve been considering Biblical mentorship, here are a few things to maybe consider:
• A good mentor will listen well, allowing space to share what is on your heart without interruption.
• They will always point to God and His Word, aligning everything with the Scriptures.
• They won’t claim to have all the answers, but instead, offer sincere prayers, Biblical wisdom, and continued guidance as the Holy Spirit leads.
I highly encourage anyone who needs wisdom for the journey to seek Biblical mentorship.
Many churches offer free programs to help people navigate challenging issues, and I pray you’ll consider this as your next step.
May God bless you as you gather in Jesus’ name, gain clarity for the days ahead, and receive the blessing of Biblical mentorship as God intended from the start.
In the Name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit
Praying …
Psalm 61
Security in God
For the choir director: on stringed instruments. Of David.
1 God, hear my cry;
pay attention to my prayer.
2 I call to you from the ends of the earth
when my heart is without strength.
Lead me to a rock that is high above me,
3 for you have been a refuge for me,
a strong tower in the face of the enemy.
4 I will dwell in your tent forever
and take refuge under the shelter of your wings. Selah
Glory be to the Father,
and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost;
as it was in the beginning,
is now, and ever shall be,
world without end. Amen, amen.
Loving God, Living God, Loving Hope, Living Hope, Loving Living Life His Way! "Many things are possible for the person who has hope. Even more is possible for the person who has faith. And still more is possible for the person who knows how to love. But everything is possible for the person who practices all three virtues." - Brother Lawrence (1605-1691), Practicing the Presence of God (1692). 