The Bible contains some very rich metaphors of its practical effects.  It is

1.  A judge, discerning our thoughts and intentions, Heb 4:12
2.  A shower of rain, refreshing and reviving us, Deut 32:2; 2 Sam 23:2-4
3.  A seed, producing fruit in our lives, Lk 8:11; 1 Pet 1:23
4.  A sword, piercing sharply, convicting and converting, or condemning, Eph 6:17; Heb 4:12
5.  A hammer, breaking and then fashioning us, Jer 23:29
6.  A fire, refining us, Jer 20:9; 23:29
7.  A lamp, dispelling the darkness and guiding us, Psa 119:105, 130
8.  A mirror, reveal what we really are, Jam 1:22-25
9.  Food and drink, nourishing us, 1 Cor 3:2; 1 Pet 2:2; Heb 5:12-14; Mt 4:4