Introduction
Before getting into the meaning of Proverbs 11:29, here’s different Bible translations:
King James Version
He that troubleth his own house shall inherit the wind: and the fool shall be servant to the wise of heart.
American Standard Version
He that troubleth his own house shall inherit the wind; And the foolish shall be servant to the wise of heart.
World English Bible version
He who troubles his own house shall inherit the wind. The foolish shall be servant to the wise of heart.
Proverbs 11:29 Meaning & Commentary
Whoever troubles his own household will inherit the wind, and the fool will be servant to the wise of heart. – Proverbs 11:29 (ESV)
What does The Bible mean here when it says that someone who troubles their own household will inherit the wind? I believe it is painting a picture that there will be no inheritance. You cannot inherit, grab hold of, or grasp the wind. It is just something that passes you by.
This metaphor suggests that the person who troubles his own household will have no inheritance. We see in The Bible that there is a strong command to take care of our own household: 1 Timothy 5:8 – But if anyone does not provide for his relatives, and especially for members of his household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.
This scripture tells us that we are worse than an unbeliever if we don’t look after our own household! How could someone deemed worse than an unbeliever receive an inheritance from The Lord?
The second part of Proverbs 11:29 says that the fool will be a servant to the wise of heart. This makes sense because the wise of heart is someone who walks in and applies God’s Word and principles in their life. Throughout the book of Proverbs, a fool is shown to be someone who ignores God’s ways and principles.
Even when we look in the world, those who are leaders usually walk in God’s principles. They may not even be believers, but because they apply certain principles, they have success and walk in a place of rulership. Many of God’s principles apply to both believers and unbelievers.
Those who are wise of heart (follow God’s principles) will rule over the fool (those who don’t follow God’s principles). By setting our minds to apply God’s Word and His principles, we will have not only success in life but also an inheritance!
Application
How can we practically apply Proverbs 11:29 to our lives?
If troubling one’s own household causes us to have no inheritance, there are certain things we can do to ensure we look after our own household and store up an inheritance for ourselves.
A good man will not only look after his own household but also leave an inheritance for them: Proverbs 13:22 – A good man leaves an inheritance to his children’s children, but the sinner’s wealth is laid up for the righteous.
We must then work towards leaving an inheritance for our children and grandchildren. This can be more than just financial, although that is undoubtedly part of it. We can leave a legacy or inheritance for the next generation through our lives, serving God and passing along an example to follow.
Although we follow Jesus Christ, The Bible teaches us that certain people leave an example for us to follow: Hebrews 6:12 – so that you may not be sluggish, but imitators of those who, through faith and patience, inherit the promises.
Even when Paul the Apostle wrote his letter to the church at Corinth, he told them to imitate him as he imitated Christ: 1 Corinthians 11:1 – Be imitators of me, as I am of Christ.
The Bible has a promise for us if we honor our parents as well: Ephesians 6:2-3 – “Honor your father and mother” (this is the first commandment with a promise), “that it may go well with you and that you may live long in the land.”
To honor means to esteem highly or place much value on something. This means valuing our parents, caring for them, and doing everything we can to be good to them. As we apply God’s Word and principles in these areas of our life and seek Wisdom, God will cause us to have victory and success in every sphere of life!
Prayer
Mighty God, thank you reminding me to value those of my own household, whether that be my kids, wife, parents, or even my family in Christ. I desire to leave an inheritance for the generation coming after me. I desire to live life effectively and be an example to others. I ask for Wisdom, Knowledge and Understanding in everything I do. Show me any areas of my life which are not surrendered to your ways and help me to change them. I ask this in Jesus’ name. Amen!
