Proverbs 11:29 kjv

He that troubleth his own house shall inherit the wind: and the fool shall be servant to the wise of heart.

Proverbs 11:29 nkjv

He who troubles his own house will inherit the wind, And the fool will be servant to the wise of heart.

Proverbs 11:29 niv

Whoever brings ruin on their family will inherit only wind, and the fool will be servant to the wise.

Proverbs 11:29 esv

Whoever troubles his own household will inherit the wind, and the fool will be servant to the wise of heart.

Proverbs 11:29 nlt

Those who bring trouble on their families inherit the wind.
The fool will be a servant to the wise.

Proverbs 11 verses

Proverbs 11 29 Meaning

Proverbs 11:29 declares that one who brings trouble upon their household will gain nothing substantial, likened to inheriting wind—a metaphor for emptiness and futility. Such foolish behavior also leads to a reversal of status: the morally deficient and unteachable individual (the fool) will ultimately lose their autonomy and serve those who possess wisdom and discerning understanding. The verse highlights the inevitable negative consequences of personal folly, particularly when it affects one's family and resources.

Proverbs 11 29 Context

Proverbs chapter 11 continues the themes established in previous chapters, contrasting the righteous and the wicked, and the wise and the foolish, focusing on their respective outcomes. It emphasizes the importance of integrity, humility, and proper conduct, particularly in social and economic dealings. Verses in this chapter cover diverse topics such as honest weights (v. 1), humility vs. pride (v. 2), righteousness vs. treachery (v. 3, 6), generosity vs. greed (v. 24-26), and the ultimate destiny of the righteous and wicked (v. 31). Proverbs 11:29 specifically zeroes in on the personal and familial consequences of one's character and actions within their most intimate sphere – the "house" or household. In ancient Israel, the household (bayit) was the fundamental social and economic unit, encompassing family members, servants, and all one's possessions. Stability and prosperity were intrinsically linked to the prudent management of this unit. Thus, to "trouble" one's house was to jeopardize the very foundation of one's well-being and future legacy, contrasting sharply with the societal value placed on building a lasting heritage.

Proverbs 11 29 Word analysis

• He who troubles: The Hebrew verb is akar (עָכַר), meaning to disturb, trouble, stir up, or bring disaster upon. It implies causing profound distress, pollution, or ruin. This verb is famously used in the story of Achan (Josh 7:25), whose sin "troubled" all Israel, bringing divine wrath and defeat. Thus, "troubling one's house" goes beyond minor annoyance; it signifies a disruption of peace, security, and well-being, potentially through injustice, neglect, irresponsibility, or strife. It often refers to internal decay and conflict.
• His house: The Hebrew word is bayit (בַּיִת), which is comprehensive. It means not merely a physical dwelling but encompasses the entire household, family members, lineage, and associated possessions and resources. In an ancient Near Eastern context, one's bayit represented their legacy, status, and future. To trouble it is to undermine one's entire foundation and future generations.
• Will inherit: The verb is nachal (נָחַל), which typically means to possess, to obtain by succession, to take as an inheritance. This word emphasizes a formal transfer of something tangible and valuable. The proverb uses it with ironic effect, promising a "negative inheritance."
• The wind: The Hebrew term ruach (רוּחַ) primarily means "wind," "spirit," or "breath." In this context, especially following "inherit," ruach symbolizes something intangible, ephemeral, unsubstantial, and worthless. It represents absolute nothingness, a lack of tangible return or lasting benefit for all the disruption caused. This parallels the Preacher's refrain "vanity and striving after wind" in Ecclesiastes, emphasizing futility. It points to the spiritual void and practical lack that follows the troubler.
• And the fool: The Hebrew is 'ewil (אֱוִיל). This is a strong word for a specific type of fool in Proverbs: one who is obstinate, morally depraved, arrogant, unteachable, and impervious to wisdom or correction. This is not simply someone lacking intelligence but someone characterized by spiritual and ethical bankruptcy. The 'ewil acts self-destructively, defying the divine order and practical reality.
• Will be servant: The Hebrew is 'eved (עֶבֶד), meaning a slave or servant. In ancient societies, servitude was often a consequence of poverty, debt, or captivity, signifying a loss of independence, dignity, and personal control. It contrasts sharply with the ideal of being a free landowner and head of a prosperous household.
• To the wise of heart: The phrase chakam lev (חֲכַם לֵב) literally means "wise of heart." The "heart" (lev) in Hebrew thought is not merely the seat of emotions but also the center of intellect, will, decision-making, and moral character. Thus, "wise of heart" describes someone possessing genuine discernment, sound judgment, ethical integrity, and practical wisdom that is lived out. The implication is that such a person will inevitably gain influence, potentially employing or governing the fool, whose folly has brought them low.

Proverbs 11 29 Bonus section

The idea of "inheriting wind" also touches on the concept of ephemeral wealth or pursuit of what cannot truly satisfy, echoed throughout the book of Ecclesiastes. This suggests that worldly gain achieved through harmful means is ultimately futile and leaves one spiritually bankrupt. The ancient Jewish culture placed a high value on land and family inheritance. For one to "inherit the wind" signified a complete reversal of societal norms and expectations for prosperity and lineage. The outcome for the fool becoming a servant to the wise reinforces the meritocratic nature of biblical wisdom literature; true wisdom, born of the fear of the Lord, invariably elevates, while folly diminishes and debases. This contrasts sharply with some pagan beliefs of the time where fate or arbitrary gods determined outcomes; Proverbs presents a moral universe where character directly influences destiny.

Proverbs 11 29 Commentary

Proverbs 11:29 offers a stark warning about the self-defeating nature of foolishness, especially when it manifests within one's own domain. The proverb operates on the principle of divine retribution inherent in the created order: destructive actions yield destructive consequences. The "troubler of his house" is someone whose bad decisions, negligence, greed, or divisive behavior causes disarray, poverty, or emotional strife within their family and associated estate. Far from accumulating wealth or legacy, such a person's efforts are revealed to be empty, leading to an "inheritance" that is as insubstantial and useless as wind. This loss of tangible blessings and social standing then spirals into personal degradation. The "fool," defined by his stubborn resistance to wisdom and morally deficient character, loses his autonomy and agency. His folly renders him incapable of self-governance or independent flourishing, inevitably making him subject to the "wise of heart"—those who possess true wisdom and foresight. This doesn't necessarily imply literal slavery but a forfeiture of power, resources, and influence to those who exercise sound judgment. Ultimately, the proverb underscores that genuine wisdom is not only beneficial but necessary for preserving one's dignity, property, and freedom, while folly leads inexorably to ruin and subservience. For example, a man who spends recklessly or cultivates strife within his family might squander his resources and relationships, eventually depending on others. Similarly, someone consumed by bitterness or dishonesty within their business eventually loses trust and contracts, finding themselves under the employ of more reliable individuals.