Proverbs 27:18

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

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}.

Complete Jewish Bible

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

Berean Standard Bible

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

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Proverbs 27:18 articulates a profound principle of diligent stewardship and faithful service, positing a direct correlation between consistent effort and its commensurate reward. Through the vivid imagery of cultivating a fig tree, the proverb illustrates that just as dedicated care yields edible fruit, so too does attentive and loyal service to a master result in honor and recognition. This wisdom teaching underscores the inherent justice and order in God's world, where diligence is not merely a virtue but a pathway to tangible and respected outcomes.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Proverbs 27:18 is situated within the broader collection of Solomon's proverbs, specifically within a section (chapters 25-29) that comprises "proverbs of Solomon which the men of Hezekiah king of Judah copied out." This verse follows other proverbs emphasizing diligence, foresight, and the value of hard work, such as the importance of knowing the state of one's flocks as described in [Proverbs 27:23](/proverbs/27-23 "Proverbs 27:23 - Knowing the State of Your Flocks"). It precedes warnings against boasting and self-exaltation found in [Proverbs 27:1](/proverbs/27-1 "Proverbs 27:1 - Do Not Boast About Tomorrow"), reinforcing the idea that honor is earned through humble, consistent effort rather than self-promotion. The verse functions as a concise, two-part parallelism, a common literary structure in Proverbs, where the first line (the agricultural metaphor) illuminates the second (the human application).

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Israel, agriculture, particularly the cultivation of fruit trees like the fig, was central to economic survival and daily life. Fig trees were a common sight, providing essential sustenance and shade. Their care required consistent attention, from planting and watering to pruning and protecting from pests. This made the "fig tree" a universally understood symbol of diligent labor and its natural reward. The concept of a "master" and "servant" in the context of [Proverbs 27:18](/proverbs/27-18 "Proverbs 27:18 - Diligence and Honor") was also a fundamental societal structure, encompassing not just household slaves but also apprentices, employees, or even loyal subjects to a king. Honor was a highly valued commodity in this shame-and-honor culture, signifying social standing, respect, and trustworthiness.

* **Key Themes:** This proverb powerfully contributes to several overarching themes found throughout the book of Proverbs. It champions **diligence and hard work**, a recurring motif that contrasts with the folly of laziness, as seen in [Proverbs 6:6](/proverbs/6-6 "Proverbs 6:6 - Go to the Ant, You Sluggard"). It highlights the principle of **cause and effect**, demonstrating that actions inevitably lead to consequences, whether positive or negative, as vividly articulated in [Galatians 6:7](/galatians/6-7 "Galatians 6:7 - Sowing and Reaping"). The verse also speaks to the theme of **wisdom in relationships**, particularly in the context of service and authority, emphasizing that faithful service is recognized and rewarded. Finally, it subtly touches on **divine order**, suggesting that the natural world (the fig tree yielding fruit) mirrors the moral order (diligence leading to honor), both established by God.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **keepeth (Hebrew, _nâtsar'_ H5341):** This word implies guarding, protecting, maintaining, and observing. In the context of the fig tree, it denotes active, watchful care – not merely passive ownership, but diligent stewardship that ensures the tree's health and productivity. It suggests a commitment to the ongoing well-being and preservation of what is entrusted.
* **waiteth (Hebrew, _shâmar'_ H8104):** While often translated as "wait," this Hebrew term carries a much richer meaning of guarding, protecting, attending to, or being circumspect. It signifies active, diligent service and watchful care, similar to `nâtsar`. When applied to a servant waiting on a master, it implies attentive, faithful, and proactive service, anticipating needs and diligently fulfilling duties, rather than merely idling or passively awaiting instruction.
* **honoured (Hebrew, _kâbad'_ H3513):** This root word fundamentally means "to be heavy" or "weighty." In a positive sense, it conveys the idea of being significant, esteemed, glorious, or respected. For a servant, to be "honoured" means to gain weight in reputation, to be given respect, recognition, and perhaps increased responsibility or promotion by the master, reflecting the substantial value placed upon their diligent service.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Whoso keepeth the fig tree shall eat the fruit thereof:"** This clause establishes a foundational agricultural metaphor. The "keeping" (Hebrew: `nâtsar`, guarding/preserving) of a fig tree implies consistent, diligent, and protective care. The natural and just outcome of such dedicated labor is the enjoyment of the tree's produce. It illustrates a direct, undeniable cause-and-effect relationship in the natural world: effort yields reward.
* **"so he that waiteth on his master shall be honoured."** This second clause applies the principle from the agricultural realm to human relationships, specifically the dynamic between a servant and a master. The phrase "waiteth on" (Hebrew: `shâmar`, to guard/attend to) signifies active, attentive, and faithful service, going beyond mere presence to dedicated commitment. Just as the fig tree rewards its caretaker, a master will bestow "honour" (Hebrew: `kâbad`, to be weighty/respected) upon a servant who demonstrates such loyalty and diligence. This honor can manifest as respect, trust, recognition, or advancement.

#### Literary Devices
Proverbs 27:18 primarily employs **Parallelism**, a hallmark of Hebrew poetry, specifically **Synonymous Parallelism** with an explanatory or comparative nuance. The first line, describing the care of a fig tree and its fruit, directly mirrors and illuminates the second line, which speaks of a servant's diligence and subsequent honor. This structure allows the tangible, observable truth of agriculture to explain a less tangible, yet equally true, principle of human interaction and reward. The use of a **Metaphor** (the fig tree) serves to make the abstract concept of diligent service and honor more concrete and relatable. The fig tree stands as a symbol of any task or responsibility requiring consistent, faithful stewardship, while its fruit symbolizes the natural and just reward that follows. The proverb also subtly uses **Irony** by implying that true honor comes not from seeking it directly, but as a byproduct of humble, dedicated service.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Proverbs 27:18 powerfully articulates a divine principle woven into the fabric of creation and human society: diligence and faithful stewardship are inherently linked to reward and honor. This is not merely a pragmatic observation but a reflection of God's just character, where effort is acknowledged and valued. The proverb underscores the biblical emphasis on hard work as a virtue, contrasting it with the pitfalls of idleness and sloth, which consistently lead to poverty and disgrace throughout the wisdom literature. It also speaks to the broader theme of God's economy, where faithfulness in small things often leads to greater responsibilities and blessings, demonstrating that God Himself honors those who honor Him through their diligent service in whatever sphere they are placed.

* [Proverbs 12:24](/proverbs/12-24 "Proverbs 12:24 - The Hand of the Diligent Will Rule")
* [Matthew 25:21](/matthew/25-21 "Matthew 25:21 - Well Done, Good and Faithful Servant")
* [1 Samuel 2:30](/1_samuel/2-30 "1 Samuel 2:30 - Those Who Honor Me I Will Honor")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Proverbs 27:18 offers a timeless blueprint for flourishing in every aspect of life, urging us to embrace a posture of diligent stewardship and faithful service. Whether we are tending to our families, managing our careers, cultivating our spiritual lives, or serving in our communities, the principle remains the same: consistent, thoughtful effort yields tangible and often honorable results. This proverb challenges us to examine our own work ethic and commitment. Are we merely going through the motions, or are we actively "keeping" and "waiting on" our responsibilities with intentionality and care? It reminds us that true honor is not sought directly but is a natural byproduct of dedicated service, fostering a humble yet confident approach to our daily tasks. By applying this wisdom, we not only secure personal benefit but also contribute to the well-being of those we serve and the broader community, reflecting a divine order where diligence is always rewarded.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life am I called to "keep" or "wait on" something or someone with diligence?**
* **What "fruit" am I hoping to see from my efforts, and am I consistently applying the necessary "keeping" or "waiting"?**
* **How does my understanding of "honor" align with the proverb's teaching that it is a result of faithful service, rather than a goal in itself?**
* **What practical steps can I take this week to increase my diligence and attentiveness in a specific area of responsibility?**

### FAQ
**What is the primary message of Proverbs 27:18?**

Answer: The primary message of [Proverbs 27:18](/proverbs/27-18 "Proverbs 27:18 - Diligence and Honor") is that diligent and faithful service inevitably leads to honor and reward. It uses the metaphor of a farmer diligently caring for a fig tree to illustrate that just as the farmer enjoys the fruit of their labor, so too will a servant who attentively and loyally serves their master receive recognition and respect. This proverb underscores the principle of cause and effect in God's moral order, where hard work and faithfulness are justly recompensed.

**Does "waiteth on his master" imply passive waiting or active service?**

Answer: The Hebrew word translated "waiteth on" (`shâmar`, H8104) in this context implies active, diligent, and attentive service, not passive waiting. It conveys the idea of guarding, preserving, and attending to someone's needs. Just as a gardener actively "keeps" (`nâtsar`, H5341) a fig tree by tending to it, a servant "waits on" their master by actively ministering to their needs, faithfully carrying out instructions, and being watchful over their interests. This active diligence is what leads to being "honoured" (`kâbad`, H3513).

**How does this proverb apply to modern life, beyond ancient agricultural or master-servant relationships?**

Answer: [Proverbs 27:18](/proverbs/27-18 "Proverbs 27:18 - Diligence and Honor") has profound relevance for modern life, extending beyond its original context. The "fig tree" can represent any area of responsibility or endeavor—our careers, families, education, health, or spiritual growth. The "keeping" signifies diligent stewardship, consistent effort, and thoughtful care. Similarly, "waiting on his master" can be applied to serving employers, clients, community members, or even God. The proverb teaches that consistent, faithful, and proactive effort in any sphere will naturally lead to positive outcomes, recognition, and respect, whether it's career advancement, a thriving family, or spiritual maturity. It encourages a strong work ethic and a commitment to excellence in all our undertakings, knowing that diligence is rewarded.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Proverbs 27:18 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ, who perfectly embodied the diligent servant and faithful steward. While the proverb speaks of human masters, Christ is the quintessential Servant of God, who came not to be served but to serve, as He Himself declared in [Mark 10:45](/mark/10-45 "Mark 10:45 - The Son of Man Came to Serve"). His entire earthly ministry was characterized by unwavering diligence in fulfilling the Father's will, from healing the sick and teaching the multitudes to enduring the cross. He "kept" the Father's vineyard with perfect obedience, even unto death, fulfilling the principle He taught about keeping His commandments in [John 15:10](/john/15-10 "John 15:10 - Keeping My Commandments"). His faithful "waiting on" or serving His heavenly Master culminated in the ultimate act of sacrifice, which brought about the "fruit" of salvation for all who believe, as highlighted in [Hebrews 5:8](/hebrews/5-8 "Hebrews 5:8 - He Learned Obedience"). Consequently, the Father "honoured" Him above all, exalting Him to the highest place, as powerfully articulated in [Philippians 2:9](/philippians/2-9 "Philippians 2:9 - God Highly Exalted Him"), and declaring Him Lord of all, as Peter proclaimed in [Acts 2:36](/acts/2-36 "Acts 2:36 - God Has Made Him Both Lord and Christ"). Thus, Christ is the supreme example of the one who diligently served and was supremely honored, making Him the pattern for all who would faithfully serve the true Master.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

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.