Proverbs 27:18

¶ Whoso keepeth the fig tree shall eat the fruit thereof: so he that waiteth on his master shall be honoured.

Whoso keepeth {H5341} the fig tree {H8384} shall eat {H398} the fruit {H6529} thereof: so he that waiteth {H8104} on his master {H113} shall be honoured {H3513}.

Whoever tends the fig tree will eat its fruit, and he who is attentive to his master will be honored.

Whoever tends a fig tree will eat its fruit, and he who looks after his master will be honored.

Whoso keepeth the fig-tree shall eat the fruit thereof; And he that regardeth his master shall be honored.

Proverbs 27:18 presents a two-part proverb illustrating a fundamental principle of diligence and reward, using an agricultural metaphor followed by an application to human relationships, particularly service.

Context and Meaning

This verse is part of the book of Proverbs, a collection of wisdom sayings designed to impart practical wisdom for daily living based on observation and divine truth. It emphasizes the direct correlation between diligent effort and its corresponding benefit. The first part, "Whoso keepeth the fig tree shall eat the fruit thereof," refers to the laborious yet rewarding task of cultivating a fig tree. Keeping or tending a fig tree involves consistent care, protection from pests, and proper nurturing. The natural outcome of such diligent stewardship is the enjoyment of its fruit.

The second part, "so he that waiteth on his master shall be honoured," extends this principle to human service. The phrase "waiteth on his master" (from the Hebrew meshareth) implies active, diligent service, attending to the master's needs, and faithfully carrying out duties. It is not passive waiting, but rather committed and attentive service. Just as the fig tree yields fruit to its caretaker, so too will a diligent and loyal servant receive honor and respect from their master. This honor can manifest as recognition, promotion, or increased trust and responsibility.

Key Themes

  • Diligence and Reward: The proverb clearly links consistent effort and faithful stewardship to tangible benefits. It teaches that hard work and perseverance naturally lead to positive outcomes. This echoes the broader biblical principle of sowing and reaping.
  • Faithfulness and Honor: Loyalty and dedicated service are highlighted as virtues that are recognized and rewarded. Whether in secular work or spiritual service, faithfulness is esteemed.
  • Cause and Effect: The verse illustrates a natural law: actions have consequences. Positive, diligent actions lead to positive, honorable outcomes.
  • Practical Wisdom: It provides practical guidance for success in any sphere of life where one serves or manages resources.

Linguistic Insight

The Hebrew word for "keepeth" (shomer) in reference to the fig tree, means to guard, preserve, or attend to. It implies watchful care and protection. The word for "waiteth on" (meshareth) signifies active service, ministering, or attending to someone. It’s the same root used for priestly service, suggesting a dedicated, almost sacred commitment to duty. This active diligence, rather than passive waiting, is what leads to being "honoured" (yekubbad), meaning to be made weighty, respected, or glorified.

Practical Application

Proverbs 27:18 offers timeless wisdom for various aspects of life:

  • Work Ethic: It encourages a strong work ethic, reminding us that diligence in our responsibilities, whether at home, in our careers, or in ministry, will yield positive results. Just as a farmer benefits from their labor, so too will we.
  • Serving Others: The principle extends to how we serve others, whether employers, community members, or family. Faithful and attentive service builds trust and earns respect.
  • Serving God: Most profoundly, this verse can be applied to our relationship with God. Those who diligently "wait on" or serve the Lord with faithfulness and devotion will ultimately be honored by Him. Colossians 3:23-24 similarly speaks of working heartily as for the Lord, knowing that from Him we will receive our reward. God Himself honors those who honor Him (1 Samuel 2:30).
  • Patience and Perseverance: Cultivating a fig tree or serving a master takes time. The verse subtly implies the need for patience and perseverance for the reward to materialize.

In essence, Proverbs 27:18 teaches that consistent, dedicated effort and faithful service are not only virtuous but are also reliably rewarded, reflecting a divine principle woven into the fabric of creation and human interaction.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • 2 Timothy 2:6

    The husbandman that laboureth must be first partaker of the fruits.

  • 1 Corinthians 9:7

    Who goeth a warfare any time at his own charges? who planteth a vineyard, and eateth not of the fruit thereof? or who feedeth a flock, and eateth not of the milk of the flock?

  • Song Of Solomon 8:12

    My vineyard, which [is] mine, [is] before me: thou, O Solomon, [must have] a thousand, and those that keep the fruit thereof two hundred.

  • Luke 12:37

    Blessed [are] those servants, whom the lord when he cometh shall find watching: verily I say unto you, that he shall gird himself, and make them to sit down to meat, and will come forth and serve them.

  • 1 Corinthians 3:8

    Now he that planteth and he that watereth are one: and every man shall receive his own reward according to his own labour.

  • Proverbs 22:29

    ¶ Seest thou a man diligent in his business? he shall stand before kings; he shall not stand before mean [men].

  • Luke 12:43

    Blessed [is] that servant, whom his lord when he cometh shall find so doing.

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