What does Proverbs 14:11 mean?

The contrast in this verse is meant to play on the differences between a temporary shelter and a permanent one. Normally, one would consider a house more durable than a tent. But a "house" built on evil is far weaker than even a "tent" built on godly wisdom (Proverbs 1:7). The strongest, most successful efforts of godless people will eventually come to nothing. What seem to be fragile gains, for those who honor God, will last (Matthew 6:19–21; Proverbs 12:7).

It may appear for a while that the possessions and posterity of the wicked are substantial (Psalm 73:2–3). Whether in this life, or under the Lord's eternal judgment, those evil things will be carried away. The upright may have few possessions and a limited posterity, but what they have will sprout and blossom like a tree. The Herods were an evil family who ruled during Jesus' lifetime. They lived in palaces and were wealthy, but their evil ways caused them and everything they had to perish under the Lord's judgment. Jesus had nowhere to lay His head (Luke 9:58), and He was persecuted (Isaiah 53:3), but those who believe in Him make up "a great multitude that no one could number, from every nation, from all tribes and peoples and languages" (Revelation 7:9) and are joint heirs with Him (Romans 8:17).