Proverbs 11:29
Proverbs 11:29 in Multiple Translations
He who brings trouble on his house will inherit the wind, and the fool will be servant to the wise of heart.
He that troubleth his own house shall inherit the wind: and the fool shall be servant to the wise of heart.
He that troubleth his own house shall inherit the wind; And the foolish shall be servant to the wise of heart.
The troubler of his house will have the wind for his heritage, and the foolish will be servant to the wise-hearted.
If you cause trouble in your family, you'll inherit nothing but air. Stupid people end up as servants to those who think wisely.
He that troubleth his owne house, shall inherite the winde, and the foole shalbe seruant to the wise in heart.
Whoso is troubling his own house inheriteth wind, And a servant [is] the fool to the wise of heart.
He who troubles his own house shall inherit the wind. The foolish shall be servant to the wise of heart.
He that troubleth his own house shall inherit the wind: and the fool shall be servant to the wise of heart.
He that troubleth his own house, shall inherit the winds: and the fool shall serve the wise.
Those who bring troubles to their families will inherit nothing [MET] from them, and those who do foolish things like that will some day become the servants of wise people.
Berean Amplified Bible — Proverbs 11:29
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
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Proverbs 11:29 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
עוֹכֵ֣ר
בֵּ֭ית/וֹ
יִנְחַל
ר֑וּחַ
וְ/עֶ֥בֶד
אֱ֝וִ֗יל
לַ/חֲכַם
לֵֽב
עוֹכֵ֣ר
ʻâkar
H5916
to trouble
V-Qal
בֵּ֭ית/וֹ
bayith
H1004
place
N-ms | Suff
יִנְחַל
nâchal
H5157
to inherit
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
ר֑וּחַ
rûwach
H7307
spirit
N-cs
וְ/עֶ֥בֶד
ʻebed
H5650
servant/slave
Conj | N-ms
אֱ֝וִ֗יל
ʼĕvîyl
H191
fool(ish)
Adj
לַ/חֲכַם
châkâm
H2450
wise
Prep | Adj
לֵֽב
lêb
H3820
heart
N-ms
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
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Hebrew Word Reference — Proverbs 11:29
עוֹכֵ֣ר
ʻâkar
H5916
"to trouble"
V-Qal
This Hebrew word means to trouble or disturb, like stirring up water. It is used to describe causing problems or affliction, as seen in various KJV translations.
Definition: 1) to trouble, stir up, disturb, make (someone) taboo 1a) (Qal) to disturb, trouble 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be disturbed, be stirred up 1b2) disturbance, calamity (participle)
Usage: Occurs in 13 OT verses. KJV: trouble, stir. See also: Genesis 34:30; 1 Kings 18:18; Psalms 39:3.
בֵּ֭ית/וֹ
bayith
H1004
"place"
N-ms | Suff
The Hebrew word for house refers to a dwelling place, including a family home, temple, or even the human body. It appears in various contexts, such as the temple in Jerusalem or the household of a family. In the Bible, it is often used to describe a place of worship or a family's living space.
Definition: nm place, origin, between
Usage: Occurs in 1712 OT verses. KJV: court, daughter, door, [phrase] dungeon, family, [phrase] forth of, [idiom] great as would contain, hangings, home(born), (winter) house(-hold), inside(-ward), palace, place, [phrase] prison, [phrase] steward, [phrase] tablet, temple, web, [phrase] within(-out). See also: Genesis 6:14; Exodus 8:5; Numbers 1:45.
יִנְחַל
nâchal
H5157
"to inherit"
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
This Hebrew verb means to inherit or to take possession of something, as seen in the story of the Israelites inheriting the Promised Land in Joshua 1:6. It can also mean to distribute or divide something among people, like the division of the land in Joshua 13-19. The word is used in various forms throughout the Bible.
Definition: 1) to get as a possession, acquire, inherit, possess 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to take possession, inherit 1a2) to have or get as a possession or property (fig.) 1a3) to divide the land for a possession 1a4) to acquire (testimonies) (fig.) 1b) (Piel) to divide for a possession 1c) (Hithpael) to possess oneself of 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to give as a possession 1d2) to cause to inherit, give as an inheritance 1e) (Hophal) to be allotted, be made to possess
Usage: Occurs in 57 OT verses. KJV: divide, have (inheritance), take as a heritage, (cause to, give to, make to) inherit, (distribute for, divide (for, for an, by), give for, have, leave for, take (for)) inheritance, (have in, cause to, be made to) possess(-ion). See also: Exodus 23:30; Joshua 17:6; Psalms 69:37.
ר֑וּחַ
rûwach
H7307
"spirit"
N-cs
In the Bible, this word for spirit refers to the breath of life, the wind, or a person's mind and emotions, as seen in the book of Ezekiel.
Definition: : spirit 1) wind, breath, mind, spirit 1a) breath 1b) wind 1b1) of heaven 1b2) quarter (of wind), side 1b3) breath of air 1b4) air, gas 1b5) vain, empty thing 1c) spirit (as that which breathes quickly in animation or agitation) 1c1) spirit, animation, vivacity, vigour 1c2) courage 1c3) temper, anger 1c4) impatience, patience 1c5) spirit, disposition (as troubled, bitter, discontented) 1c6) disposition (of various kinds), unaccountable or uncontrollable impulse 1c7) prophetic spirit 1d) spirit (of the living, breathing being in man and animals) 1d1) as gift, preserved by God, God's spirit, departing at death, disembodied being 1e) spirit (as seat of emotion) 1e1) desire 1e2) sorrow, trouble 1f) spirit 1f1) as seat or organ of mental acts 1f2) rarely of the will 1f3) as seat especially of moral character 1g) Spirit of God, the third person of the triune God, the Holy Spirit, coequal, coeternal with the Father and the Son 1g1) as inspiring ecstatic state of prophecy 1g2) as impelling prophet to utter instruction or warning 1g3) imparting warlike energy and executive and administrative power 1g4) as endowing men with various gifts 1g5) as energy of life 1g6) as manifest in the Shekinah glory 1g7) never referred to as a depersonalised force
Usage: Occurs in 348 OT verses. KJV: air, anger, blast, breath, [idiom] cool, courage, mind, [idiom] quarter, [idiom] side, spirit(-ual), tempest, [idiom] vain, (whirl-) wind(-y). See also: Genesis 1:2; Job 6:26; Psalms 1:4.
וְ/עֶ֥בֶד
ʻebed
H5650
"servant/slave"
Conj | N-ms
This word refers to a servant or slave, often in the context of serving God or a human master. It can also describe a prophet or Levite. The KJV translates it as bondage, bondman, or servant.
Definition: 1) slave, servant 1a) slave, servant, man-servant 1b) subjects 1c) servants, worshippers (of God) 1d) servant (in special sense as prophets, Levites etc) 1e) servant (of Israel) 1f) servant (as form of address between equals) Aramaic equivalent: a.vad (עֲבַד "servant/slave" H5649)
Usage: Occurs in 714 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] bondage, bondman, (bond-) servant, (man-) servant. See also: Genesis 9:25; Exodus 11:3; 1 Samuel 8:16.
אֱ֝וִ֗יל
ʼĕvîyl
H191
"fool(ish)"
Adj
The Hebrew word for a foolish person, someone who despises wisdom or mocks when guilty. It appears in the Bible to describe those who are quarrelsome or licentious. The KJV translates it as 'fool' or 'foolish man'.
Definition: 1) be foolish, foolish 1a) (subst) 1a1) of one who despises wisdom 1a2) of one who mocks when guilty 1a3) of one who is quarrelsome 1a4) of one who is licentious
Usage: Occurs in 26 OT verses. KJV: fool(-ish) (man). See also: Job 5:2; Proverbs 14:9; Psalms 107:17.
לַ/חֲכַם
châkâm
H2450
"wise"
Prep | Adj
This word means wise or skilled, describing someone intelligent or crafty, like a cunning man or a prudent leader.
Definition: 1) wise, wise (man) 1a) skilful (in technical work) 1b) wise (in administration) 1c) shrewd, crafty, cunning, wily, subtle 1d) learned, shrewd (class of men) 1e) prudent 1f) wise (ethically and religiously)
Usage: Occurs in 133 OT verses. KJV: cunning (man), subtil, (un-), wise((hearted), man). See also: Genesis 41:8; Proverbs 16:14; Psalms 49:11.
לֵֽב
lêb
H3820
"heart"
N-ms
Leb refers to the heart, but also represents feelings, will, and intellect in the Bible. It is used figuratively to describe the center of something, and is often translated as heart or mind. Leb is a complex concept that encompasses emotions and thoughts.
Definition: 1) inner man, mind, will, heart, understanding 1a) inner part, midst 1a1) midst (of things) 1a2) heart (of man) 1a3) soul, heart (of man) 1a4) mind, knowledge, thinking, reflection, memory 1a5) inclination, resolution, determination (of will) 1a6) conscience 1a7) heart (of moral character) 1a8) as seat of appetites 1a9) as seat of emotions and passions 1a10) as seat of courage
Usage: Occurs in 552 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] care for, comfortably, consent, [idiom] considered, courag(-eous), friend(-ly), ((broken-), (hard-), (merry-), (stiff-), (stout-), double) heart(-ed), [idiom] heed, [idiom] I, kindly, midst, mind(-ed), [idiom] regard(-ed), [idiom] themselves, [idiom] unawares, understanding, [idiom] well, willingly, wisdom. See also: Genesis 6:5; 2 Samuel 13:33; Psalms 4:8.
Study Notes — Proverbs 11:29
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Proverbs 11:29 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 11:29
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 11:29
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 11:29
- Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 11:29
- Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 11:29
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 11:29
- Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 11:29
- Barnes' Notes on Proverbs 11:29
- Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 11:29
- Sermons on Proverbs 11:29
Context — Dishonest Scales
27He who searches out good finds favor, but evil will come to him who seeks it.
28He who trusts in his riches will fall, but the righteous will thrive like foliage.
29He who brings trouble on his house will inherit the wind, and the fool will be servant to the wise of heart.
30The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life, and he who wins souls is wise. 31If the righteous receive their due on earth, how much more the ungodly and the sinner!Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ecclesiastes 5:16 | This too is a grievous evil: Exactly as a man is born, so he will depart. What does he gain as he toils for the wind? |
| 2 | Proverbs 14:19 | The evil bow before the good, and the wicked at the gates of the righteous. |
| 3 | Proverbs 15:27 | He who is greedy for unjust gain brings trouble on his household, but he who hates bribes will live. |
| 4 | Habakkuk 2:9–10 | Woe to him who builds his house by unjust gain, to place his nest on high and escape the hand of disaster! You have plotted shame for your house by cutting off many peoples and forfeiting your life. |
| 5 | Joshua 7:24–25 | Then Joshua, together with all Israel, took Achan son of Zerah, the silver, the cloak, the bar of gold, his sons and daughters, his oxen and donkeys and sheep, his tent, and everything else he owned, and brought them to the Valley of Achor. “Why have you brought this trouble upon us?” said Joshua. “Today the LORD will bring trouble upon you!” And all Israel stoned him to death. Then they stoned the others and burned their bodies. |
| 6 | 1 Samuel 25:17 | Now consider carefully what you must do, because disaster looms over our master and all his household. For he is such a scoundrel that nobody can speak to him!” |
| 7 | Hosea 8:7 | For they sow the wind, and they shall reap the whirlwind. There is no standing grain; what sprouts fails to yield flour. Even if it should produce, the foreigners would swallow it up. |
| 8 | 1 Samuel 25:38 | About ten days later, the LORD struck Nabal dead. |
| 9 | 1 Samuel 25:3 | His name was Nabal, and his wife’s name was Abigail. She was an intelligent and beautiful woman, but her husband, a Calebite, was harsh and evil in his dealings. |
| 10 | Genesis 34:30 | Then Jacob said to Simeon and Levi, “You have brought trouble upon me by making me a stench to the Canaanites and Perizzites, the people of this land. We are few in number; if they unite against me and attack me, I and my household will be destroyed.” |
Proverbs 11:29 Summary
Proverbs 11:29 teaches us that when we cause trouble or strife in our own homes or relationships, we will ultimately end up with nothing of lasting value. This is like trying to catch the wind - it's impossible to hold onto. On the other hand, when we seek wisdom and live righteously, we will thrive and bear fruit, as seen in Proverbs 11:30. By following God's commands and seeking wisdom, we can build strong, healthy relationships and live a life that is full and meaningful (Psalm 1:3, Proverbs 10:8).
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to 'bring trouble on his house' in Proverbs 11:29?
This phrase refers to causing strife, conflict, or chaos within one's own family or household, as seen in Proverbs 15:1, where a soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.
What is the significance of 'inheriting the wind' in this verse?
Inheriting the wind means to receive nothing of lasting value or substance, much like the fleeting nature of the wind, as mentioned in Ecclesiastes 1:14, where the author concludes that all earthly pursuits are but vanity.
How does this verse relate to the concept of wisdom and foolishness?
The verse contrasts the fool, who will be a servant to the wise of heart, with the wise, who will thrive and bear fruit, as seen in Proverbs 10:8, where the wise of heart will receive commandments, but a babbling fool will come to ruin.
What is the main message of Proverbs 11:29 for believers today?
The main message is that our actions have consequences, and bringing trouble or strife into our lives will ultimately lead to emptiness and servitude, whereas seeking wisdom and living righteously will bring life, freedom, and fruitfulness, as promised in Psalm 1:3 and Proverbs 11:30.
Reflection Questions
- How can I examine my own life to identify areas where I may be bringing trouble or strife into my household or relationships?
- What are some practical ways I can cultivate wisdom and a wise heart, as mentioned in this verse?
- How does the concept of 'inheriting the wind' relate to my own desires and pursuits in life - are there areas where I am chasing after things that will ultimately leave me empty or unfulfilled?
- What does it mean for me to be a servant to the wise of heart, and how can I humble myself to learn from others and receive guidance and correction?
Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 11:29
He that troubleth his own house,.... His family, his wife, and children, and servants; by being bitter to the one, and by provoking the others to wrath, and continually giving out menacing words to
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 11:29
He that troubleth his own house shall inherit the wind: and the fool shall be servant to the wise of heart. He that troubleth his own house shall inherit the wind.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 11:29
He that troubleth his own house; he who bringeth trouble and misery upon himself and children, either, 1. By carelessness, slothfulness, improvidence, prodigality, or any wickedness, whereby he consumeth his estate. So this troubling of his house may be opposed to a man’ s building of his house, . Or, 2. By covetous desires and restless endeavours to heap up riches, whereby he greatly tires and troubles both himself and all his family with excessive cares and labours, which is called coveting an evil covetousness to his house, . Shall inherit the wind; shall be as unable to keep and enjoy what he gets as a man is to hold the wind in his fist, or to feed and satisfy himself with it; he shall be brought to poverty. The fool shall be servant to the wise of heart; by which means such a troublesome fool shall through his extreme necessity be forced even to sell himself to such as are wiser.
Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 11:29
Proverbs 11:29 He that troubleth his own house shall inherit the wind: and the fool [shall be] servant to the wise of heart.Ver. 29. He that troubleth his own house.] Either by prodigality, or excessive parsimony. Prodigi singulis auribus bina aut terna dependent patrimonia, saith Seneca. We have known great rents soon turned into great ruffs, and lands into laces. For parsimony and cruelty, Shall inherit the wind.] That is, Shall bring all to nothing, as he did that, having wasted his estate, vainly vaunted that he had left himself nothing, praeter coelum et caenum. His substance shall fly up like smoke into the air, and nothing be left to maintain him on earth. And when all his goods are gone, his liberty must go after - for this "fool shall be servant to the wise in heart" - if not, his life; as that notorious unthrift, Apicius, who having eaten up his estate, and finding by his account that he had no more than two hundred thousand crowns remaining, thought himself poor, and took down a glass of poison. Livius. Dio.
Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 11:29
(29) He that troubleth his own house.—Possibly by his niggardliness and avarice, as Proverbs 15:27. Shall inherit the wind.—Will get nothing for his pains. The fool (‘evîl).—The self-willed, who will listen to no advice, and so comes to ruin.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 11:29
Verse 29. Shall inherit the wind] He who dissipates his property by riotous living, shall be as unsatisfied as he who attempts to feed upon air.
Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 11:29
29. troubleth] by churlish and niggardly ways. Comp. the story of Nabal, 1 Samuel 25. the wind] Which shall drive away him and his possessions, Psalms 1:4; or the wind may here be used to denote that which is unsubstantial and vanishes away. Comp. Isaiah 41:29.
Barnes' Notes on Proverbs 11:29
He that troubleth ... - The temper, nigardly and worrying, which leads a man to make those about him miserable, and proves but bad economy in the end.
Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 11:29
29. He that troubleth his own house — By mismanagement, bad temper, want of industry, extravagance, avarice, or any other means. Shall inherit the wind — Which was an emblem of emptiness or nothingness.
Sermons on Proverbs 11:29
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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An Appeal to Fathers by Don Currin | Don Currin delivers a powerful sermon on the importance of fatherhood, highlighting how Satan has targeted fathers to undermine their nurturing influence, leading to defeated dads, |
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Hopeless to Fight Against God by George Kulp | George Kulp preaches about the consequences of sin and the unwavering stance of God against unrepentant wrongdoers, emphasizing that God's holiness demands purity of heart and obed |
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A Message for America and Its Cultural Religion by Carter Conlon | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the importance of understanding the times we live in and the need for spiritual discernment. He mentions a gathering of churches in New York |
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Sowing the Wind by Chuck Smith | This sermon emphasizes the principle of sowing and reaping, highlighting the consequences of our actions and the importance of sowing seeds of righteousness and value. It warns aga |
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Reaping the Whirlwind by D.L. Moody | D.L. Moody shares a poignant story about a young boy from Newcastle-on-Tyne who, despite his parents' love and care, fell into a life of crime and ultimately faced dire consequence |
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Worthy - or Unworthy? by A.W. Tozer | Greek Word Studies delves into the concept of sowing, emphasizing the significance of scattering the seed of the Word of God, the Gospel, into people's hearts. Through various Bibl |
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Hosea 8:7 by Chuck Smith | Chuck Smith discusses the dire consequences of Israel's disobedience to God, emphasizing that they have 'sown the wind' through their transgressions and idolatry, leading to their |