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: King James Version
" Whoso keepeth the fig tree shall eat the fruit thereof: so he that waiteth on his master shall be honoured. "
Proverbs 27:18
Verse in Context
Understanding the surrounding verses prevents misinterpretation:
16 Whosoever hideth her hideth the wind, and the ointment of his right hand, which bewrayeth
17 Iron sharpeneth iron; so a man sharpeneth the countenance of his friend.
18 Whoso keepeth the fig tree shall eat the fruit thereof: so he that waiteth on his master shall be honoured.
19 As in water face answereth to face, so the heart of man to man.
20 Hell and destruction are never full; so the eyes of man 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).
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From This Chapter
Proverbs 27:1
"Boast not thyself of to morrow; for thou knowest not what a day may bring forth."
Proverbs 27:2
"Let another man praise thee, and not thine own mouth; a stranger, and not thine own lips."
Proverbs 27:3
"A stone is heavy, and the sand weighty; but a fool's wrath is heavier than them both."
Proverbs 27:4
"Wrath is cruel, and anger is outrageous; but who is able to stand before envy?"
Proverbs 27:5
"Open rebuke is better than secret love."
Proverbs 27:6
"Faithful are the wounds of a friend; but the kisses of an enemy are deceitful."
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