Proverbs 27:18

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

Study Bible

He who tends a fig tree
The phrase "tends a fig tree" draws from the agrarian culture of ancient Israel, where fig trees were a common and valuable source of food. The Hebrew word for "tends" is "שָׁמַר" (shamar), which means to keep, guard, or watch over. This implies diligent care and attention. In a spiritual sense, this can be seen as a metaphor for nurturing one's responsibilities or spiritual gifts. Just as a fig tree requires consistent care to produce fruit, so too does one's spiritual life or duties require dedication and vigilance.

will eat its fruit
The promise of "will eat its fruit" suggests a direct correlation between effort and reward. In the agrarian context, this is a literal truth: those who care for their trees will enjoy the harvest. Spiritually, it speaks to the principle of sowing and reaping, as seen throughout Scripture. The fruit represents the blessings and benefits that come from faithful stewardship and hard work. This encourages believers to remain steadfast in their duties, trusting that their labor in the Lord is not in vain.

and he who looks after his master
The phrase "looks after his master" uses the Hebrew word "שָׁמַר" (shamar) again, emphasizing the importance of loyalty and service. In ancient times, a servant's role was crucial, and their faithfulness could lead to significant trust and responsibility. This can be seen as a call to Christians to serve their earthly authorities and, ultimately, Christ, with integrity and dedication. It reflects the biblical principle of serving others as if serving the Lord (Colossians 3:23-24).

will be honored
The promise "will be honored" indicates that faithful service and stewardship lead to recognition and reward. In the historical context, a servant who diligently served his master could be elevated in status or given greater responsibilities. Spiritually, this speaks to the honor that comes from God when we faithfully serve Him and others. It echoes the biblical truth that humility and service lead to exaltation (Matthew 23:11-12). This serves as an encouragement to believers to pursue a life of faithful service, knowing that God sees and rewards their efforts.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Fig Tree
In ancient Israel, fig trees were common and valued for their fruit. They required careful tending and represented prosperity and sustenance.

2. Servant/Master Relationship
This relationship is central to the verse, highlighting the importance of loyalty and diligence in service.

3. Agricultural Imagery
The use of agricultural metaphors is prevalent in Proverbs, illustrating spiritual truths through everyday life.

Teaching Points

Diligence in Work
Just as tending a fig tree requires consistent effort, our work and responsibilities demand diligence. Faithful stewardship leads to reward.

Loyalty in Service
The verse underscores the value of loyalty to those we serve. Honoring our commitments reflects our integrity and brings honor in return.

Spiritual Growth
Tending to our spiritual lives, like a fig tree, requires regular care and attention. Spiritual disciplines yield the fruit of maturity and wisdom.

Reward for Faithfulness
God 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 Relationships
The principle of tending and reaping applies to relationships. Investing time and care in others leads to fruitful and honoring relationships.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the imagery of tending a fig tree help us understand the importance of diligence in our daily tasks?

2. In what ways can we apply the principle of loyalty to our relationships with employers, leaders, or mentors?

3. Reflect on a time when you experienced the "fruit" of your labor. How did this experience align with the teaching of Proverbs 27:18?

4. How can we ensure that our spiritual lives are being "tended" regularly? What practices can help us grow spiritually?

5. Consider the relationships in your life. How can you invest more intentionally in them to see a "harvest" of honor and mutual respect?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Genesis 2:15
This verse describes God placing Adam in the Garden of Eden to work and take care of it, paralleling the idea of tending and receiving the fruit of one's labor.

Matthew 25:21
The parable of the talents emphasizes faithfulness in service, where the servant is rewarded for diligently managing what was entrusted to him.

1 Corinthians 3:8
Paul speaks about the laborers in God's service, each receiving their reward according to their own labor, similar to the principle of tending and reaping.