House Dressing

(Pro 11:29 KJV) He that troubleth his own house shall inherit the wind: and the fool shall be servant to the wise of heart.

“House” (1004) is an incredibly common word in the Bible.  It has the same range of meanings that we have in English.  Out of 2052 times the Hebrew word appears the KJV translates it “house” 1761.  I think we can assume that in this verse it does not refer to the building you live in.  

The most likely meaning is “household” or “family”.  I am sure you know of some families where there is constant backbiting and betrayal going on.  As a teacher dealing with a student’s foul mouth I would at times meet with the parents and quickly discover their source of vocabulary.  This also applies to how we deal with problems.  Violent parents often train up violent children.  The same it true with things like selfishness and deceit.  

It could also be stretched to our communities and country.  There are people working to undermine our civil civic discourse.  They may well succeed.  The big question is will they be happy with the results.  They might be benefitted to reading about the final days of Robespierre.

So?  We are called to use the Bible as our standard of behavior.  That will increase our chances of peace, at least in our own homes.