Inherit the Wind

The phrase "Inherit the Wind" is a part of the Book of Proverbs. After researching the Book of Proverbs I found out that, "This Book is so called, because it consists of wise and weighty sentences: regulating the morals of men: and directing them to wisdom and virtue. And these sentences are also called PARABLES, because great truths are often couched in them under certain figures and similitudes" ( http://www.tldm.org/bible/Old%20Testament/proverbs.htm). The Proverb which contains, "Inherit the Wind" comes from Proverb 11:29 which reads: "He that troubleth his own house shall inherit the wind: and the fool shall be servant to the wise of heart."

Reference to the Book of Proverbs appears in Act Two Scene One. Reverend Brown holds a prayer meeting in which he displays a firm disbelief in the actions of Bertram Cates. When giving this sermon Brown says, "O Lord of the Tempest and the Thunder! O Lord of Righteousness and Wrath! We pray that Thou wilt make a sign unto us! Strike down this sinner, as Thou didst Thine enemies of old, in the days of the Pharaohs! Let him feel the terror of Thy sword! For all eternity, let his sould writhe in anguish and damnation--" (Inherit the Wind, 66). His daughter who is friends with Cates chimes in pleading her father not to pray to destroy Cates. Brown answers back by calling down the same curse on Rachel for asking for the grace of Cates. Brady stands up now and says, "Reverend Brown, I know it is the great zeal of your faith which makes you utter this prayer! But it is possible to be overzealous, to destroy that which you hope to save--so that nothing is left but emptiness. Remember the wisdom of Solomon in the Book of Proverbs-- "He that troubleth his own house...shall inherit the wind." The Bible also tells us that God forgives His Children. And we, the Children of God should forgive each other" (Inherit the Wind, 66-67).

He is trying to warn Brown that his harsh words against Cates and creating problems within his own family could come back in the end leaving him with consequences and ultimately nothing at all. This is true in Act Three when Reverend Brown's daughter Rachel leaves him for Cates. Brady dies while giving a victory speech. Creating problems in this book left characters with nothing; they were left fools to Cates wisdom and heart.