Proverbs 11:29

29 He that deals not graciously with his own house shall inherit the wind; and the fool shall be servant to the wise man.

Proverbs 11:29 Meaning and Commentary

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 the rest; or through idleness, not providing for his family; or through an over worldly spirit, pushing on business, and hurrying it on beyond measure; or through a niggardly and avaricious temper, withholding meat and drink, and clothes convenient for them; see ( Proverbs 15:27 ) ; or through profuseness and prodigality. Such an one shall inherit the wind;
nothing but vanity and emptiness; he shall come to nothing, and get nothing; and what he does, be shall not keep, and on which he cannot live; and the fool [shall be] servant to the wise of heart;
he who has both got and lost his substance in a foolish way shall be so reduced as to become a servant to him who has pursued wise measures, both in getting and keeping what he has; and to whom perhaps the fool formerly stood in the relation of a master. Such a change will be with respect to antichrist and the saints, ( Daniel 7:25-27 ) .

Proverbs 11:29 In-Context

27 He that devises good seeks good favour: but him that seeks after evil, shall overtake him.
28 He that trusts in wealth shall fall; but he that helps righteous men shall rise.
29 He that deals not graciously with his own house shall inherit the wind; and the fool shall be servant to the wise man.
30 Out of the fruit of righteousness grows a tree of life; but the souls of transgressors are cut off before their time.
31 If the righteous scarcely be saved, where shall the ungodly and the sinner appear?

The Brenton translation of the Septuagint is in the public domain.