Proverbs 11: 29 Heir or Servant

Proverbs 11: 29 (NKJV)

29 He who troubles his own house will inherit the wind,

And the fool will be servant to the wise of heart.

heir: 1. A person who inherits or is entitled by law or by the terms of a will to inherit the estate of another. 2. A person who succeeds or is in line to succeed to a hereditary rank, title, or office. 3. One who receives or is expected to receive a heritage, as of ideas, from a predecessor.

v. troubles: 1. To agitate; stir up. 2. To afflict with pain or discomfort. 3. To cause emotional strain or anxiety to; worry or distress. 4. To inconvenience; bother

servant: 1. One who expresses submission, recognizance, or debt to another


The first part of today’s verse talks about a person who agitates, or stirs up problems in their own home. This type of person brings worry, distress and emotional strain to all those around them. A person of this type can cause so much trouble that they could be “kicked out” or “disinherited” from the family, thus inheriting nothing but “wind/air” in the long run.

The second part of the verse goes on to say that a person that is foolish like this, will end up serving or owing others who are “wise of heart.” In past verses, we have seen that, in the Bible, God considers a person to be “wise of heart” when they follow His leading and teachings in their lives.

Several of the “Fruits of the Spirit,” which grow in those that DO choose to follow God and become born again so that His Spirit lives within them, are attributes that would be the opposite of “stirring up troubles,” but instead, will bring peace and love into the family.

Galatians 5:22-23 (NKJV)
22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law.

Proverbs 11: 12 Neighborhood relationships

Note: Sorry I skipped a day… it was hubby’s and my 34th wedding anniversary and I played hooky over the weekend from writing my blogs… :)

Today’s proverb is one that speaks of neighborhood relationships, and the wise way to handle them.

Proverbs 11: 12 (NKJV)

12 He who is devoid of wisdom despises his neighbor,
But a man of understanding holds his peace.

First, let’s look at the definitions of the main words. The Online Dictionary gives the definition of the word, “devoid” as: Completely lacking; destitute or empty… and the definition of the word, “despises” as: 1. To regard with contempt or scorn 2. To dislike intensely; loathe 3. To regard as unworthy of one's interest or concern:

This verse, then, speaks of those that are completely lacking in wisdom and the fact that they tend to have no interest or concern for their neighbors. Throughout God’s word, His purpose is to draw people together in love and care for each other. We see that He feels that someone who doesn’t care about others is lacking in His wisdom.

The end of the verse goes on to tell us that “a man of understanding,” which we have seen in other studies in this book is a description of a “righteous man,” will “hold his peace…” Generally when THIS phrase is used, it means that person will hold his tongue or be very careful in the way that he handles situations. He will be in control of himself and his reactions to the problems that come up, and handle them in ways that God would lead him in. This, in turn, will lead to healing instead of further strife.

Proverbs 10:24 & 25 The Wicked vs The Righteous

These two verses speak of the contrasts between the “wicked” and the “righteous” again. God repeats this thread throughout the book of Proverbs in many different ways to plant it deep into the hearts of those who would search for wisdom… and isn’t that the whole reason for this study?



Proverbs 10: 24 & 25 (NKJV)

24 The fear of the wicked will come upon him, And the desire of the righteous will be granted. 25 When the whirlwind passes by, the wicked is no more, But the righteous has an everlasting foundation.


Both of these verses start with the “wicked.” In verse 24, we are told that those that are “wicked” will have their “fears” come upon them. All of us have some kind of “fear” in our hearts. I think that the more “wicked” (not following God’s ways or paths) a person is, the more fear they have deep down in their souls whether or not they choose to see that.



Often, it is those “fears” that drive their thoughts. It is said, by many psychologists, that those that “fear” or that have deep inner hurts (which would engender fear that often leads to anger) are the ones that strike out at others.


The second verse also starts with words about the “wicked.” There are many parts of life that are like a “whirlwind.” Trials and tribulations swirl around our lives on this earth all the time like whirlwinds. All of us have gone through these storms… why is it that some end up committing suicide or murder, while others just seem to get stronger?


I think it is because the wicked have nothing with a strong foundation to hang onto, while those that DO have a strong foundation (God and His wisdom) are able to “hang in there” and even build stronger walls in their “houses of life.” This exactly what the second part of verse 25 states, and it goes even further to say that this “foundation” is an EVERLASTING one. Praise God, our foundation goes on forever!


The second part of each of these verses speak about those that are “righteous.” For those that may be new to this study, we have seen that the definition of “righteous” is: morally upright; without guilt or sin. The only way we can TRULY be without guilt or sin, is to accept Jesus sacrifice that nailed OUR sins to the cross and covered us with HIS righteousness.


Verse 24 says that those that are “righteous”… those that have chosen Jesus as their Lord BECAUSE of His sacrifice and love for them… will have their desires granted. God KNOWS the true desires of our heart, too. He sees our “wants” and knows whether or not they would be good for us, but our true “desires” are inner values of our hearts that bring us peace, joy, love… the Fruits of the Spirit when you get down to it!

Proverbs 4:23 – 27

Today, we will finish up Chapter 4 of Proverbs. These last verses speak to us of keeping our “SELVES” under control. Self-control is one of the Fruits of the Spirit, and to really have “self” control, we need to give our whole “selves,” everything WE have control of, over to God’s Control, and let the Holy Spirit guide us. We do this through trusting that God really loves us totally, and only does what is best for us if we are putting HIM first. Here are the verses for today.

Proverbs 4: 23 - 27 (NKJV)

23 Keep your heart with all diligence,

For out of it spring the issues of life.

24 Put away from you a deceitful mouth,

And put perverse lips far from you.

25 Let your eyes look straight ahead,

And your eyelids look right before you.

26 Ponder the path of your feet,

And let all your ways be established.

27 Do not turn to the right or the left;

Remove your foot from evil.

Verse 23 reminds us that we should keep our “heart with all diligence…” The word diligence is defined as: 1. Earnest and persistent application to an undertaking; steady effort; 2. Attentive care; heedfulness. We must be consistent about keeping our hearts (and in the Bible, the word “heart” usually means our souls… that which makes us what we are—our “selves”) under God’s control and guidance. We do that by constantly praying and seeking God’s guidance before each move we make. He says that “out of it (our hearts/selves) spring the issues of life.

If our “hearts” are centered on God and His ways, then what springs out of our lives are fruits of the Spirit: gentleness, kindness, love, joy, peace, faithfulness, goodness, patience, and self-control, these “issues” are the ones we want.

If our “hearts” are centered on our “lusts of the flesh”, then what will spring out of our lives are the many types of sexual sin, the types of sin that put something else in front of God such as idolizing something like drugs and witchcraft—Horoscopes, Tarot Cards, etc. Galatians 5:19-21 gives a list of many of the “lusts of the flesh,” while Galatians 5: 22 & 23 lists the gifts of the Spirit:

Galatians 5:19-23 (NIV)

19The acts of the sinful nature are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; 20idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions 21and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God.

22But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.

Verse 24 essentially tells us to keep our mouth’s under control: stop lying and speaking in evil ways (i.e. cursing, planning evil, etc.), and verse 25 exhorts us to keep our eyes under control: look straight ahead at the path that God has placed in front of us. Verses 26 & 27 tells us to “ponder” or “think diligently about” that path, and to let our ways be established in that Godly leading, not turning aside either way, from it.

This chapter ends with the warning, again, to “Remove your foot from evil…” If we have put control of our “selves” into God’s hands, we WILL remove our feet from following evil paths that will cause us to stumble and get hurt badly.

Proverbs 3: 33 & 35

Today, we will finish Chapter 3 of Proverbs with these 3 verses:

Proverbs 3: 33 & 35

33 The curse of the LORD is on the house of the wicked,

But He blesses the home of the just.

34 Surely He scorns the scornful,

But gives grace to the humble.

35 The wise shall inherit glory,

But shame shall be the legacy of fools.

All three of these verses use “antithetical parallelism.” That is the form of Hebrew poetry in which the second line is the opposite, or in contrast with, the first. The contrasts intensify the lesson to be learned and helps to drive it home..

Verse 33 tells us that “the curse of the Lord is on the house of the wicked…” When there is wickedness in a house, it tends to be JUST a house, and not a home. It is a place where people go to eat and sleep, but there is usually NOT love or peace there, and THAT is what makes a home a real “home.” When those that dwell together in a house are truly just and living Godly lives that are filled with the Fruit of the Spirit, then God will bless that place and make it a true “HOME.”

Verse 34 warns that people that treat others with scorn and derision will receive scorn from God. The online dictionary defines the word “scorn” as 1. a.contempt or disdain felt toward a person or object considered despicable or unworthy. b. The expression of such an attitude in behavior or speech; derision. 2. One spoken of or treated with contempt.. 3. To consider or treat as contemptible or unworthy. 4. To reject or refuse with derision; to express contempt; scoff.

Though God is love and wants to love people, those that reject Him and His love, and treat others in evil ways, will have the protection of the Lord removed from their lives. His purpose for this is to bring people back to following Him and His ways, because, since HE is the CREATOR, He knows what will give us peace in our lives. The whole point of the tribulations, spoken of in Revelation, are to show God’s majesty and power with the hope that they will repent and turn to Him, but there are still people that refuse to repent and turn from their evil ways. (See Revelations 16:9 and 11 where this is spelled out in so many words.)

The second part of verse 34 uses the contrast between the way Lord treats the scornful in the first part, and the way he treats those that are humble in the second. It says that He gives grace, or “unmerited favor” to those that are humble. The word “humble” is defined as 1. Marked by meekness or modesty in behavior, attitude, or spirit; NOT arrogant or prideful. 2. Showing deferential or submissive respect: If we are humble to others, and especially toward the Lord, then He will pour His favor out in our lives even though we don’t deserve it.

The last verse of this chapter sums up the difference between the “ends” of those that are wise compared with those that are foolish. It says that those that are “wise,” or are following Godly wisdom in their lives, will inherit glory, and I believe this is speaking of the glory of becoming a citizen of heaven.

On the other hand, those that are foolish, will leave behind a "legacy" or feeling of shame, in those that have followed them… their families or friends. The definition of legacy is: something handed down from an ancestor or a predecessor. Those that refuse to follow God and accept His free gift of eternal life, are CHOOSING eternal death… the second death spoken of in Revelation 20:14 & 15. This IS true foolishness!

Proverbs 3: 29 & 32

In these verses we have three “DO NOT’s.” They cover actions toward your neighbor, toward strangers, and toward your enemies. Remember that these verses follow directly after the verses that spoke of the “Golden Rule” principle. They enlarge on what those verses were discussing. First let’s look at today’s scriptures.

Proverbs 3: 29 & 32

29 Do not devise evil against your neighbor,

For he dwells by you for safety’s sake.

30 Do not strive with a man without cause,

If he has done you no harm.

31 Do not envy the oppressor,

And choose none of his ways;

32 For the perverse person is an abomination to the LORD,

But His secret counsel is with the upright.

In verse 29, we are admonished to “NOT devise evil against your neighbor…” (devise - 1. To form, plan, or arrange in the mind; design or contrive: 2. Archaic To suppose; imagine.)

This scripture tells us that “he dwells by you for safety’s sake.” During Bible times, your neighbors were often family members, or you had chosen the place that you wanted to live. In today’s world you are often sort of “plopped down” where it happens to be convenient for your work, or some other reason (like it’s the only thing you can afford, etc.)

Still, if you are trying to put God first in all that you do, and He is leading you, then you are exactly where God wants you to be, and your job is to shine the light of Christ’s love out onto your neighbors, and not “imagine” or “plan” to do anything evil against them… no matter what they are like or have done! Christ teaches, in Matthew 5:21-26, that we are to love and not hate… that hate, or planning evil… makes us as bad as a murderer in His sight.

The next verse exhorts us not to “strive with a man without cause, if he has done you no harm.” The definition of Strive is: 1. To exert much effort or energy; endeavor. 2. To struggle or fight forcefully; contend. In other scriptures, God tells us that we should be “peacemakers” and not argue over small things. We shouldn’t be struggling or fighting forcefully with people that haven’t even harmed us. This is not the way that we should be using the “effort or energy” that we are given. There WERE times when Christ got angry… when people twisted the things of God, and made them evil or a mockery of what they were supposed to be, and this is not what this verse is talking about.

The last two verses speak of oppressors and “perverse persons.” We are not to “envy” them OR chose any of their ways. Oppress means: 1. To keep down by severe and unjust use of force or authority 2. To weigh heavily on: or 3. Obsolete To overwhelm or crush. and perverse means: 1. Directed away from what is right or good; perverted. 2. Obstinately persisting in an error or fault; wrongly self-willed or stubborn. 3. a. Marked by a disposition to oppose and contradict. b. Arising from such a disposition. 4. Cranky; peevish.

“Oppressors,” from this definition, indicate a person that has authority over someone else. IF we are living in God’s kingdom, and we are given authority over others (our children, employees, coworkers, etc.), than we must use that authority to help them to grow in their own lives and in their lives with God and Christ. Sometimes, we do this with discipline, while other times we should use love, forgiveness and modeling a Christ-like life. We should NEVER be “oppressors,” and try to manipulate others by force or threats.

“Perverse persons,” by these definitions, are people who are the opposite of Godly people. They pervert goodness and righteousness; their lives are ruled by selfishness. They persist in their sins and are stubborn about turning from them. We have all known people with “a disposition to oppose and contradict,” in every way possible. These are not happy people, and even if they have a position of authority, and usually wealth, we should never “envy” them as God looks on them as “abominations.”

Verse 32 ends by telling us that GOD’S secret counsel is NOT with these type of people, but with those that are following Him and living an “upright” life. HIS counsel is what will truly bring perfect peace, joy and love into our lives in His timing.

Proverbs 3: 27 & 28

Proverbs 3:27 & 28 speaks of the principle that is usually called the Golden Rule; to treat others the way that you would want them to treat you.

Proverbs 3: 27 & 28

27 Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due, When it is in the power of your hand to do so. 28 Do not say to your neighbor, “ Go, and come back, and tomorrow I will give it,” when you have it with you.

Verse 27 tells us that if we have the “power” or ability to do good to others… especially those who deserve to be treated well, then we should to that good. The Fruits of the Spirit like love, goodness, kindness, and gentleness should be shown to others: widows, orphans, and the poor or needy.

Verse 28 goes on to give an example of what Solomon was talking about. He says not to put someone off “until tomorrow” if you can do something today. I really need to take this to heart, because I sometimes do this very thing. I will see a need and tell myself that I really need to do something about that… maybe tomorrow, or “later,” but then I never seem to get around to doing it.

I have been trying to get into the habit, especially with prayer requests, to stop and pray right then, when I learn of the need and not just SAY, “I’ll pray for you…” or “I’ll keep that in prayer…” because so often I will get busy doing something else and forget.

God, in several places in His Word, spells out the principle of “living in the moment,” and not being a procrastinator. We are to give Him all of our cares, and not worry about “tomorrow…” We need to live one day at a time and take care of the needs of others that way, too.