Proverbs 27:18
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Whoever tends a fig tree will eat its fruit, and he who looks after his master will be honored.
Commentaries
Excerpts gathered from published commentaries to ground the reading.
The following three proverbs are connected with 17 in their similarity of form: - 18 Whosoever watcheth the fig-tree will enjoy its fruit; And he that hath regard to his master attaineth to honour. The first member is, as in Pro 27:17, only the means of contemplating the second; as faithful care of the tree has fruit for a reward, so faithful regard for one's master, honour; נצר is used as at Isa 27:3, שׁמר as at Hos 4:10, etc. - the proverb is valid in the case of any kind of master up to the Lord of lords. The fig-tree presented itself, as Heidenheim remarks, as an appropriate figure; because in the course of several years' training it brings forth its fruit, which the language of the Mishna distinguishes as פגין, unripe, בוחל, half ripe, and צמל, fully ripe. To fruit in the first line corresponds honour in the second, which the faithful and attentive servant attains unto first on the part of his master, and then also from society in general.
Open source ↗This is designed to encourage diligence, faithfulness, and constancy, even in mean employments. Though the calling be laborious and despicable, yet those who keep to it will find there is something to be got by it. 1. Let not a poor gardener, who keeps the fig-tree, be discouraged; though it require constant care and attendance to nurse up fig-trees, and, when they have grown to maturity, to keep them in good order, and gather the figs in their season, yet he shall be paid for his pains: He shall eat the fruit of it, Co1 9:7. 2. Nay, let not a poor servant think himself incapable of thriving and being preferred; for if he be diligent in waiting on his master, observant of him and obedient to him, if he keep his master (so the word is), if he do all he can for the securing of his person and reputation and take care that his estate be not wasted or damaged, such a one shall be honoured, shall not only get a good word, but be preferred and rewarded. God is a Master who has engaged to put an honour on those that serve him faithfully, Joh 12:26.
Open source ↗27:18 An employer values loyal workers who protect their employer’s interests. Wise employers give their workers incentives to be loyal, such as allowing them to eat the fruit (see Deut 25:4; 1 Cor 9:7-10; 1 Tim 5:17-18).
Open source ↗Original language
The Hebrew and Greek words behind this passage, with Strong's numbers — from openscriptures (CC BY-SA).
Cross-references
Other passages the community most often connects to this one. Tap to read.
The hardworking farmer should be the first to partake of the crops.
Who serves as a soldier at his own expense? Who plants a vineyard and does not eat of its fruit? Who tends a flock and does not drink of its milk?
But my own vineyard is mine to give; the thousand shekels are for you, O Solomon, and two hundred are for those who tend its fruit.
Blessed are those servants whom the master finds on watch when he returns. Truly I tell you, he will dress himself to serve and will have them recline at the table, and he himself will come and wait on them.
If anyone serves Me, he must follow Me; and where I am, My servant will be as well. If anyone serves Me, the Father will honor him.
His master replied, ‘Well done, good servant! Because you have been faithful in a very small matter, you shall have authority over ten cities.’
Blessed is that servant whose master finds him doing so when he returns.
He who plants and he who waters are one in purpose, and each will be rewarded according to his own labor.
Do you see a man skilled in his work? He will be stationed in the presence of kings; he will not stand before obscure men.
Do you not know that those who work in the temple eat of its food, and those who serve at the altar partake of its offerings?