Proverbs 27:18
Whoso keepeth the fig tree shall eat the fruit thereof: so he that waiteth on his master shall be honoured.
Original Language Analysis
נֹצֵ֣ר
Whoso keepeth
H5341
נֹצֵ֣ר
Whoso keepeth
Strong's:
H5341
Word #:
1 of 7
to guard, in a good sense (to protect, maintain, obey, etc.) or a bad one (to conceal, etc.)
וְשֹׁמֵ֖ר
thereof so he that waiteth
H8104
וְשֹׁמֵ֖ר
thereof so he that waiteth
Strong's:
H8104
Word #:
5 of 7
properly, to hedge about (as with thorns), i.e., guard; generally, to protect, attend to, etc
Cross References
2 Timothy 2:6The husbandman that laboureth must be first partaker of the fruits.1 Corinthians 9:7Who goeth a warfare any time at his own charges? who planteth a vineyard, and eateth not of the fruit thereof? or who feedeth a flock, and eateth not of the milk of the flock?Song of Solomon 8:12My vineyard, which is mine, is before me: thou, O Solomon, must have a thousand, and those that keep the fruit thereof two hundred.1 Corinthians 3:8Now he that planteth and he that watereth are one: and every man shall receive his own reward according to his own labour.Luke 12:37Blessed are those servants, whom the lord when he cometh shall find watching: verily I say unto you, that he shall gird himself, and make them to sit down to meat, and will come forth and serve them.Proverbs 22:29Seest thou a man diligent in his business? he shall stand before kings; he shall not stand before mean men.Matthew 24:46Blessed is that servant, whom his lord when he cometh shall find so doing.John 12:26If any man serve me, let him follow me; and where I am, there shall also my servant be: if any man serve me, him will my Father honour.Luke 19:17And he said unto him, Well, thou good servant: because thou hast been faithful in a very little, have thou authority over ten cities.1 Peter 2:21For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps:
Historical Context
In ancient Israelite agriculture, fig trees were among the most valuable assets, providing food, shade, and trade goods. Unlike grain harvests requiring seasonal labor, fig cultivation demanded year-round attention. Solomon's proverb reflects an agrarian economy where long-term faithfulness, not quick gains, produced wealth.
Questions for Reflection
- What 'fig tree' has God entrusted to your care that requires patient, long-term faithfulness?
- How does our culture's demand for instant results conflict with the biblical principle of faithful stewardship?
- In what ways might you be 'waiting on your Master' with the expectation of eternal honor rather than immediate recognition?
Analysis & Commentary
Whoso keepeth the fig tree shall eat the fruit thereof (שֹׁמֵר תְּאֵנָה יֹאכַל פִּרְיָהּ, shomer te'enah yokhal piryah)—the Hebrew verb שָׁמַר (shamar, 'to keep, guard, watch') emphasizes faithful, attentive care rather than mere ownership. Ancient fig trees required patient cultivation: pruning, protection from pests, watering during dry seasons.
So he that waiteth on his master shall be honoured (שֹׁמֵר אֲדֹנָיו יְכֻבָּד, shomer adonav yekhubbad)—the parallel reveals vocational faithfulness as spiritual discipline. The term כָּבוֹד (kavod, 'honor, weight, glory') suggests not empty praise but substantial reward. Jesus extends this principle in the parable of the faithful servant (Luke 12:42-44), where stewardship leads to greater responsibility.