Key Verse Spotlight
Proverbs 27:18 - Meaning and Application
Understand how this verse speaks to what you're facing and how to apply it today
Translation: World English Bible — Catholic Edition
" Whoever tends the fig tree shall eat its fruit. He who looks after his master shall be honored. "
Proverbs 27:18
Verse in Context
Understanding the surrounding verses prevents misinterpretation:
16 restraining her is like restraining the wind, or like grasping oil in his right hand.
17 Iron sharpens iron; so a man sharpens his friend’s countenance.
18 Whoever tends the fig tree shall eat its fruit. He who looks after his master shall be honored.
19 Like water reflects a face, so a man’s heart reflects the man.
20 Sheol and Abaddon are never satisfied; and a man’s eyes are never satisfied.
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This verse is meant to encourage hard work, faithfulness, and steady effort, even in lowly jobs. Even if the work is tiring and people look down on it, those who keep at it will find some gain from it.
Let a poor gardener, who tends a fig tree, not lose heart. Caring for fig trees takes steady attention. They must be nursed as they grow, kept in good order when mature, and the figs gathered at the right time. Still, the gardener will be paid for his labor, as Paul says, “The laborer deserves his wages” (1 Corinthians 9:7).
And let no poor servant think he cannot do well or rise to a better place. If he is careful in serving his master, attentive and obedient, if he “keeps” his master, that is, does all he can to protect his person and reputation and to prevent loss or waste in his estate, such a servant will be honored. He will not only receive praise, but may also be advanced and rewarded.
God is a Master who has promised to honor those who serve him faithfully (John 12:26).
From This Chapter
Proverbs 27:1
"Don’t boast about tomorrow; for you don’t know what a day may bring."
Proverbs 27:2
"Let another man praise you, and not your own mouth; a stranger, and not your own lips."
Proverbs 27:3
"A stone is heavy, and sand is a burden; but a fool’s provocation is heavier than both."
Proverbs 27:4
"Wrath is cruel, and anger is overwhelming; but who is able to stand before jealousy?"
Proverbs 27:5
"Better is open rebuke than hidden love."
Proverbs 27:6
"The wounds of a friend are faithful, although the kisses of an enemy are profuse."
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