Proverbs 27:18

The one who tends a fig tree ¹  will eat its fruit, ²  and whoever takes care of ³  his master will be honored.

Ge 24:2,3; Ge 39:2-5,22,23; Ex 24:13; 1Sa 2:30; 2Ki 3:11; 2Ki 5:2,3,25,27; Ps 123:2; Pr 17:2; Pr 22:29; So 8:12; Mt 24:25,46; Mt 25:21,22; Mr 10:43; Lu 12:37,43,44; Joh 12:26; Ac 10:7; 1Co 9:7,13; Col 3:22; 1Pe 2:18,21

¹ sn Tending fig trees requires closer attention than other plants; so the point here would be the diligent care that is required.

² sn The principle is established in the first line with the emblem: Those who faithfully serve will be rewarded in kind. The second half of the proverb makes the point from this illustration.

³ sn The Hebrew participle translated “takes care of” (שֹׁמֵר, shomer) describes a careful watching over or looking after, a meticulous service, anticipating the needs and safeguarding the charge. Such a servant need not worry about his efforts going unrecognized and unrewarded (e.g., Prov 22:29; 2 Tim 2:6, 15).