Whoever tends a fig tree will eat its fruitThis phrase emphasizes the principle of diligent work and its rewards. In ancient Israel, fig trees were a common and valuable source of food, symbolizing prosperity and sustenance. Tending a fig tree required patience and care, as it takes time for the tree to mature and bear fruit. This reflects the biblical theme of sowing and reaping, as seen in
Galatians 6:7-9, where Paul speaks about reaping what one sows. The fig tree is also a symbol of Israel in the Bible, as seen in
Hosea 9:10 and
Jeremiah 24, where the health of the fig tree often parallels the spiritual state of the nation. This phrase encourages believers to be diligent in their responsibilities, promising that such diligence will lead to personal benefit and sustenance.
and he who looks after his master will be honored
This part of the verse highlights the importance of loyalty and service. In the cultural context of the ancient Near East, servants or stewards who faithfully served their masters were often rewarded with honor and sometimes even elevated to positions of greater responsibility, as seen in the story of Joseph inGenesis 39-41. This principle is echoed in the New Testament, where Jesus teaches about faithful service in parables such as the Parable of the Talents (Matthew 25:14-30). The concept of honoring one's master can also be seen as a type of Christ, where believers are called to serve Christ faithfully, with the promise of eternal reward and honor in His kingdom (Colossians 3:23-24). This phrase encourages believers to serve with integrity and loyalty, trusting that God will honor their faithfulness.
Persons / Places / Events
1.
Fig TreeIn ancient Israel, fig trees were common and valued for their fruit. They required careful tending and represented prosperity and sustenance.
2.
Servant/Master RelationshipThis relationship is central to the verse, highlighting the importance of loyalty and diligence in service.
3.
Agricultural ImageryThe use of agricultural metaphors is prevalent in Proverbs, illustrating spiritual truths through everyday life.
Teaching Points
Diligence in WorkJust as tending a fig tree requires consistent effort, our work and responsibilities demand diligence. Faithful stewardship leads to reward.
Loyalty in ServiceThe verse underscores the value of loyalty to those we serve. Honoring our commitments reflects our integrity and brings honor in return.
Spiritual GrowthTending to our spiritual lives, like a fig tree, requires regular care and attention. Spiritual disciplines yield the fruit of maturity and wisdom.
Reward for FaithfulnessGod honors those who are faithful in their duties, whether in secular work or spiritual service. Our efforts are not in vain when done unto the Lord.
Community and RelationshipsThe principle of tending and reaping applies to relationships. Investing time and care in others leads to fruitful and honoring relationships.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1.What is the meaning of Proverbs 27:18?
2.How does Proverbs 27:18 encourage diligence in our daily responsibilities?
3.What does "tends a fig tree" symbolize in Proverbs 27:18?
4.How can we apply the principle of reward in Proverbs 27:18 today?
5.What other scriptures emphasize the importance of faithful stewardship and reward?
6.How does Proverbs 27:18 guide us in serving and honoring our leaders?
7.What does Proverbs 27:18 teach about the relationship between work and reward?
8.How does Proverbs 27:18 reflect the importance of stewardship in one's life?
9.In what ways does Proverbs 27:18 emphasize loyalty and faithfulness?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Proverbs 27?
11.What foods are mentioned in the Bible?
12.What does the Bible say about mental illness?
13.What does 'Even a Child is Known by His Deeds' mean?
14.What does the Bible say about true friendship?What Does Proverbs 27:18 Mean
Whoever tends a fig treeThe picture is of someone patiently pruning, watering, and guarding a fig tree until harvest. Scripture repeatedly commends this kind of steady diligence.Proverbs 12:11 reminds us, “He who works his land will have plenty of bread,” andGenesis 2:15 shows that work was part of God’s good design from the beginning. By tending the tree, the worker shows commitment, foresight, and perseverance—traits the Lord consistently blesses (Proverbs 21:5).
Will eat its fruitGod links faithful labor to appropriate reward.Galatians 6:7-9 teaches that “whatever a man sows, he will reap,” encouraging us not to grow weary in doing good because “at the proper time we will reap a harvest.” In the same way, the caretaker of the fig tree enjoys the sweetness of what he has cultivated.Proverbs 14:23 says, “All hard work brings a profit,” echoing the promise that effort invested under God’s wisdom brings tangible return.
He who looks after his masterThe second image shifts from agriculture to service. Just as the tree-keeper cares for his crop, an employee or servant watches over the interests of the one in authority.Colossians 3:22-24 urges servants to obey “in sincerity of heart, fearing the Lord,” knowing they ultimately serve Christ. Examples abound: David faithfully played his harp for Saul (1 Samuel 16:21), and Elisha poured water on Elijah’s hands before inheriting a double portion (2 Kings 3:11). Loyalty, attentiveness, and integrity mark a trustworthy caretaker.
Will be honoredHonor follows faithfulness.Proverbs 22:29 asks, “Do you see a man skilled in his work? He will stand before kings.” Jesus echoes this principle: “Blessed is that servant whom his master finds doing so when he returns” (Luke 12:43-44). God Himself promises, “Those who honor Me I will honor” (1 Samuel 2:30). Whether recognition comes from earthly masters or directly from the Lord, diligent service does not go unnoticed.
summaryProverbs 27:18 draws a straight line between faithful effort and fitting reward. Cultivate what God has entrusted—whether a fig tree, a vocation, or a relationship—and you will partake of its fruit. Serve those in authority with wholehearted devotion, and in God’s timing honor will follow. The verse invites us to diligent stewardship today, confident that the One who sees in secret will reward openly.
(18)
Whoso keepeth the fig-tree--i.e.,tends it carefully year after year, "shall eat the fruit thereof" when it has come to perfection.
So he that waiteth on his master--i.e., attends to him, observes and follows out his wishes, "shall be honoured" for his good service. (Comp.Matthew 25:21.)
Verse 18. -
Whoso keepeth the fig tree shall eat the fruit thereof. He who watches, tends, and cultivates the fig tree will in due time have the reward of his labour in eating its fruit. The abundance of the produce of this tree makes it a good figure of the reward of faithful service. Septuagint, "He that planteth a fig tree shall eat the fruits thereof" (
2 Timothy 2:6). So he that waiteth on his maser shall be honoured. He who pays attention, has loving regard to his master, shall meet with honour as his reward at his master's hands, and also from all who become acquainted with his merits. The gnome may well be applied to the case of those who do true and laudable service to their heavenly Master, and she shall one day hear from his lips the gracious word, "Well done, thou good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy Lord" (
Matthew 25:21).
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew
Whoever tendsנֹצֵ֣ר(nō·ṣêr)Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular
Strong's 5341:To watch, guard, keepa fig treeתְּ֭אֵנָה(tə·’ê·nāh)Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 8384:Of foreign derivation, the figwill eatיֹאכַ֣ל(yō·ḵal)Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 398:To eatits fruit,פִּרְיָ֑הּ(pir·yāh)Noun - masculine singular construct | third person feminine singular
Strong's 6529:Fruitand he who looks afterוְשֹׁמֵ֖ר(wə·šō·mêr)Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular
Strong's 8104:To hedge about, guard, to protect, attend tohis masterאֲדֹנָ֣יו(’ă·ḏō·nāw)Noun - masculine plural construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 113:Sovereign, controllerwill be honored.יְכֻבָּֽד׃(yə·ḵub·bāḏ)Verb - Pual - Imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 3513:To be heavy, weighty, or burdensome
Links
Proverbs 27:18 NIVProverbs 27:18 NLTProverbs 27:18 ESVProverbs 27:18 NASBProverbs 27:18 KJV
Proverbs 27:18 BibleApps.comProverbs 27:18 Biblia ParalelaProverbs 27:18 Chinese BibleProverbs 27:18 French BibleProverbs 27:18 Catholic Bible
OT Poetry: Proverbs 27:18 Whoever tends the fig tree shall eat (Prov. Pro Pr) 
