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Wrongdoing leads to Nothing

Proverbs 11:29 Updated American Standard Version (UASV)
²⁹Whoever troubles his own household will inherit the wind,
and the fool will be servant to the wise of heart.

Whoever troubles his own household will inherit the wind: Here troubles (עָכַר akar) is one who causes hardship and distress for his family, that is, his household, the Hebrew implying social chaos from his actions with others. Inherit the wind means that he gains nothing worthwhile, of any real substance.

and the fool will be servant to the wise of heart: Fools (אֱוִיל evil) hate knowledge as they lack good judgment. The fool here is likely the family troublemaker, his character is stupidity, and rudeness, that is, one who completely lacks understanding, who is rebellious in his ways. (Prov. 1:22) The foolishness of the foolish one, who has the trait of acting stupidly or rashly because he is devoid of wisdom or understanding, the Hebrew noun focusing on the evil behaviors which occur in this state. Because the fool lacks wisdom, he will always be working, slaving for another, someone who is wise, for the rest of his life.

In ancient Israel, the head of the household who did not act in accordance with God’s commandments could bring exile upon their own houses from the community. For example, Achan robbed God by inappropriately seizing for himself a beautiful cloak from Shinar, 200 shekels of silver, and a bar of gold weighing 50 shekels. However, when Achan’s wrongdoing was revealed, God brought exile upon him in the form of his being executed, and both he and members of his family were stoned to death. (Joshua chap. 7) Then, there was King Ahab (1 Kings. 18:17-18).

Today Proverbs 11:29a can refer to any problematic unwise person within the family household, from a rebellious child to an adulterous or abusive spouse. Because of failing to understand and appreciate God’s Word, a family member can bring ostracism to his own household. This can cause a spiritual shipwreck certainly for the offender and even the whole family as well. The offender and any family tolerating wrongdoing, living in sin, could be removed from the church, meaning they’re inheriting the wind can be the loss of eternal life.

Today Proverbs 11:29b refers to the person, maybe even the family member from above, who lacks practical wisdom, he cannot be given lots of responsibility. Moreover, his misconduct within his personal affairs may cause him to become enslaved to others throughout his life of rebellion in some way. Such an unwise one may well become “a servant to the wise of heart.” Plainly, then, it is very important that we use the good judgment and practical wisdom found in God’s Word in all our dealings.