Amsal 27:18

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.

[27:18]  ¹ sn Tending fig trees requires closer attention than other plants; so the point here would be the diligent care that is required.

[27:18]  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.

[27:18]  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).