Proverbs 28:8

KJV

¶ He that by usury and unjust gain increaseth his substance, he shall gather it for him that will pity the poor.

KJV (with Strong's)

He that by usury {H5392} and unjust gain {H8636} increaseth {H7235} his substance {H1952}, he shall gather {H6908} it for him that will pity {H2603} the poor {H1800}.

Complete Jewish Bible

He who increases his wealth by charging exorbitant interest amasses it for someone who will bestow it on the poor.

Berean Standard Bible

He who increases his wealth by interest and usury lays it up for one who is kind to the poor.

American Standard Version

He that augmenteth his substance by interest and increase, Gathereth it for him that hath pity on the poor.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Proverbs 28:8 declares a profound principle of divine justice: wealth amassed through exploitative practices, specifically usury and unjust gain, will not remain with the oppressor. Instead, it is destined by divine decree to be transferred to those who demonstrate compassion and generosity towards the poor. This proverb serves as a stark warning against unethical financial dealings, assuring that God's moral order ensures a rebalancing where ill-gotten gains ultimately serve the purposes of righteousness and care for the vulnerable.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Proverbs 28 is a collection of wisdom sayings that frequently contrast the righteous and the wicked, exploring the consequences of their actions, particularly in matters of justice, governance, and wealth. This chapter emphasizes themes of integrity, diligence, and the dangers of corruption. Verses immediately preceding and following Proverbs 28:8 reinforce these ideas; for instance, [Proverbs 28:6](/proverbs/28-6 "Proverbs 28:6 - Better the Poor Who Walks in Integrity") praises the poor person who walks in integrity over the rich who is perverse in his ways, while [Proverbs 28:9](/proverbs/28-9 "Proverbs 28:9 - Prayer of the Disobedient") condemns those who turn away from the law. Proverbs 28:8 fits seamlessly into this broader discourse by specifically addressing the ethical acquisition of wealth and its ultimate disposition, highlighting that ill-gotten gains are inherently unstable and subject to divine reversal.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Israel, the Mosaic Law contained explicit prohibitions against charging interest (usury) to fellow Israelites, especially the poor ([Exodus 22:25](/exodus/22-25 "Exodus 22:25 - Lending to the Poor"), [Leviticus 25:36-37](/leviticus/25-36 "Leviticus 25:36-37 - No Interest for Fellow Israelites"), [Deuteronomy 23:19-20](/deuteronomy/23-19 "Deuteronomy 23:19-20 - Prohibition on Usury")). This was a cornerstone of their social and economic justice system, designed to prevent the exploitation of the vulnerable and maintain communal solidarity. While interest could be charged to foreigners, the internal prohibition underscored the covenant community's responsibility to care for its members. "Unjust gain" (Hebrew: _tarbîyth_) encompasses a broader range of dishonest practices beyond usury, such as fraud, extortion, or taking advantage of someone's misfortune, all of which were condemned within the ethical framework of Israelite society. The proverb thus speaks directly to the economic realities and moral standards of its time.
* **Key Themes:** This proverb contributes significantly to several key themes prevalent in the book of Proverbs and broader biblical wisdom literature. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **Divine Justice and Retribution**, asserting that God's moral order ensures that ill-gotten wealth will not prosper indefinitely but will be redistributed according to His righteous purposes. Secondly, it highlights the **Consequences of Greed and Exploitation**, warning against the pursuit of wealth through unethical means, which ultimately proves futile and self-defeating. Thirdly, the proverb implicitly emphasizes **God's Care for the Poor and Vulnerable**, demonstrating that His justice often involves a rebalancing of fortunes in favor of those who are oppressed or in need. Finally, it promotes **Ethical Financial Practices**, advocating for integrity and fairness in all economic dealings as a reflection of righteous living, contrasting sharply with the exploitative practices it condemns. This verse, like many in Proverbs, teaches that true prosperity is not merely about accumulation, but about righteous acquisition and stewardship, aligning with principles found in [Proverbs 10:2](/proverbs/10-2 "Proverbs 10:2 - Treasures of Wickedness Do Not Profit") and [Proverbs 11:4](/proverbs/11-4 "Proverbs 11:4 - Riches Do Not Profit in the Day of Wrath").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Usury (Hebrew, _neshek'_):** From H5392, meaning "interest on a debt." The root of this word suggests "a bite," vividly conveying the painful, corrosive, and oppressive effect of excessive or exploitative interest on the borrower. In the context of ancient Israelite law, charging any interest to a fellow Israelite was forbidden, particularly when the borrower was in need, as it was seen as preying on their vulnerability rather than helping them.
* **Unjust gain (Hebrew, _tarbîyth'_):** From H8636, meaning "multiplication, i.e., percentage or bonus in addition to principal; increase, unjust gain." This term expands the concept beyond mere interest to include any illicit or exploitative profit obtained through dishonest means, such as fraud, extortion, or taking advantage of another's misfortune. It speaks to a broader category of wealth accumulated through morally reprehensible methods.
* **Pity (Hebrew, _chânan'_):** From H2603, a primitive root meaning "to bend or stoop in kindness to an inferior; to favor, bestow; causatively to implore." This word describes the compassionate act of showing favor, mercy, or grace, particularly towards those in a disadvantaged position. It stands in stark contrast to the exploitative nature of usury and unjust gain, highlighting the righteous disposition that God favors and to whom ill-gotten wealth will ultimately be transferred.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"He that by usury and unjust gain increaseth his substance":** This clause identifies the subject of the proverb: an individual who accumulates wealth (substance) through methods condemned by divine law and ethical standards. "Usury" refers to charging excessive or forbidden interest, while "unjust gain" broadly covers any dishonest or exploitative means of acquiring riches. The emphasis is on the *method* of acquisition, which is fundamentally corrupt and oppressive.
* **"he shall gather it for him that will pity the poor":** This clause reveals the divine consequence and ultimate reversal of fortune. The wealth that the oppressor diligently "gathers" through unrighteousness is not for his lasting benefit. Instead, it is divinely purposed to be transferred to, or ultimately benefit, those who demonstrate compassion and active care for the poor. This highlights God's justice in reallocating resources from the exploitative to the benevolent, ensuring that righteousness ultimately prevails and the vulnerable are cared for.

#### Literary Devices
Proverbs 28:8 employs several potent literary devices to convey its message. The most prominent is **Contrast**, setting the exploitative actions of the one who gains by usury and unjust means against the compassionate actions of the one who pities the poor. This stark juxtaposition underscores the moral divide and the divine preference. There is also significant **Irony** in the proverb: the very wealth accumulated through selfish and unjust means, intended for personal aggrandizement, is ultimately taken away and redirected to benefit those who embody the opposite virtue—selfless compassion. This demonstrates a form of **Divine Retribution** or **Poetic Justice**, where the outcome directly mirrors and corrects the initial transgression. The proverb functions as a piece of **Didactic Wisdom**, teaching a moral lesson about the instability of ill-gotten gains and the enduring value of righteousness and compassion.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Proverbs 28:8 articulates a profound theological principle regarding divine justice and the stewardship of wealth. It asserts that God is actively involved in the economic affairs of humanity, ensuring that wealth acquired through oppression and exploitation is inherently unstable and subject to divine redistribution. This is not merely a natural consequence but an act of God's moral governance, demonstrating His unwavering commitment to justice and His special concern for the poor and vulnerable. The proverb teaches that true and lasting prosperity is rooted in righteousness and generosity, not in greedy accumulation. It offers a powerful message of hope for the oppressed and a stern warning for the exploiter, affirming that God's ultimate design is for resources to flow towards those who embody His compassionate character.

* [Job 27:16-17](/job/27-16 "Job 27:16-17 - The Wicked's Wealth for the Righteous")
* [Proverbs 13:22](/proverbs/13-22 "Proverbs 13:22 - The Sinner's Wealth Stored for the Righteous")
* [Proverbs 19:17](/proverbs/19-17 "Proverbs 19:17 - Lending to the Lord by Helping the Poor")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
This ancient proverb resonates deeply with contemporary issues of economic justice and ethical conduct. It challenges us to scrutinize the sources of our wealth and the means by which we acquire it, asking whether our financial practices align with biblical principles of fairness, compassion, and integrity. In a world often driven by profit maximization at any cost, Proverbs 28:8 serves as a vital reminder that wealth gained through exploitation, predatory lending, or dishonest dealings is ultimately fleeting and carries a spiritual cost. It calls us to cultivate a heart of generosity and a commitment to justice, recognizing that true prosperity is measured not by accumulation, but by how we use our resources to bless others, particularly the marginalized. For those who feel exploited or oppressed, this proverb offers a comforting assurance that God sees their plight and that His justice will ultimately prevail, rebalancing the scales and ensuring that even the ill-gotten gains of the wicked can be redirected for good.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How might I be unknowingly participating in or benefiting from systems that involve "unjust gain" or exploitative practices?**
* **In what ways can I actively demonstrate "pity for the poor" through my financial decisions and actions?**
* **What does this proverb teach me about the true nature of lasting wealth and security?**
* **How does my pursuit of financial increase align with or diverge from God's principles of justice and compassion?**

### FAQ

**What is "usury" in a biblical context, and how does it differ from modern interest rates?**

Answer: In the biblical context, particularly under the Mosaic Law, "usury" (Hebrew: _neshek_) referred to charging any interest on a loan made to a fellow Israelite, especially one in need. The prohibition was primarily ethical and social, aiming to protect the poor and prevent perpetual debt and exploitation within the covenant community. It was seen as preying on a brother's misfortune rather than helping him. This differs significantly from modern interest rates, which are a standard part of financial transactions and are often seen as a legitimate return for lending capital, accounting for inflation, risk, and opportunity cost. The biblical concern was not against all forms of interest, but specifically against exploitative interest that burdened the poor and violated communal solidarity. Proverbs 28:8, by condemning "usury and unjust gain," speaks to the spirit of exploitation rather than a blanket prohibition on all interest.

**How does this proverb apply to modern financial practices and economic systems?**

Answer: Proverbs 28:8 remains highly relevant today as a moral compass for financial ethics. It condemns any practice that unjustly extracts wealth from others, whether through predatory lending, fraudulent schemes, unfair labor practices, or taking advantage of vulnerable populations. It challenges individuals and institutions to consider the ethical implications of their wealth acquisition. The proverb implies that wealth obtained through such means is inherently unstable and will not bring lasting benefit to the oppressor. Instead, it suggests a divine principle of redistribution, where such ill-gotten gains are ultimately redirected to benefit those who act with compassion and integrity. This calls for a commitment to fair trade, ethical investment, just wages, and responsible lending, aligning with the biblical emphasis on social justice found throughout Scripture, such as in [Amos 5:24](/amos/5-24 "Amos 5:24 - Let Justice Roll Down").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Proverbs 28:8 finds its ultimate fulfillment in the person and teachings of Jesus Christ, who perfectly embodied compassion for the poor and condemned the love of money and unjust gain. Jesus consistently warned against the accumulation of earthly treasures, emphasizing that such riches are fleeting and can lead to spiritual ruin ([Matthew 6:19-21](/matthew/6-19 "Matthew 6:19-21 - Laying Up Treasures in Heaven")). He taught that true wealth lies in generosity and storing up treasures in heaven, which cannot be corrupted. Parables like the Rich Fool ([Luke 12:16-21](/luke/12-16 "Luke 12:16-21 - The Parable of the Rich Fool")) and the Rich Man and Lazarus ([Luke 16:19-31](/luke/16-19 "Luke 16:19-31 - The Rich Man and Lazarus")) vividly illustrate the spiritual bankruptcy of those who hoard wealth and neglect the poor, echoing the proverb's warning that ill-gotten or selfishly held riches will be stripped away. Furthermore, Jesus Himself is the ultimate "one who will pity the poor," not only through His compassionate ministry to the marginalized during His earthly life but also through His redemptive work on the cross, which provides spiritual riches for all who are poor in spirit ([Matthew 5:3](/matthew/5-3 "Matthew 5:3 - Blessed Are the Poor in Spirit")). In Christ, the divine rebalancing of justice is fully realized, as He takes on the poverty of humanity to bestow upon us the unsearchable riches of His grace ([2 Corinthians 8:9](/2_corinthians/8-9 "2 Corinthians 8:9 - Christ's Poverty for Our Riches")). Ultimately, Christ's kingdom is one where justice rolls down like waters and righteousness like an ever-flowing stream, ensuring that the wealth of the wicked is indeed gathered for the righteous, culminating in a new heavens and new earth where righteousness dwells ([2 Peter 3:13](/2_peter/3-13 "2 Peter 3:13 - New Heavens and New Earth")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Proverbs 13:22

¶ A good [man] leaveth an inheritance to his children's children: and the wealth of the sinner [is] laid up for the just.

Job 27:16

Though he heap up silver as the dust, and prepare raiment as the clay;

Job 27:17

He may prepare [it], but the just shall put [it] on, and the innocent shall divide the silver.

Ecclesiastes 2:26

For [God] giveth to a man that [is] good in his sight wisdom, and knowledge, and joy: but to the sinner he giveth travail, to gather and to heap up, that he may give to [him that is] good before God. This also [is] vanity and vexation of spirit.

Leviticus 25:36

Take thou no usury of him, or increase: but fear thy God; that thy brother may live with thee.

Exodus 22:25

¶ If thou lend money to [any of] my people [that is] poor by thee, thou shalt not be to him as an usurer, neither shalt thou lay upon him usury.

Ezekiel 18:17

[That] hath taken off his hand from the poor, [that] hath not received usury nor increase, hath executed my judgments, hath walked in my statutes; he shall not die for the iniquity of his father, he shall surely live.