Proverbs 28:8

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

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}.

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

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

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

Commentary on Proverbs 28:8 (KJV)

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."

Context

This proverb speaks to the consequences of accumulating wealth through unethical means within the framework of ancient Israelite wisdom literature. The book of Proverbs frequently contrasts the righteous and the wicked, and this verse specifically addresses financial integrity. In ancient Israel, the Mosaic Law had strict prohibitions against charging interest (usury) to fellow Israelites, especially the poor (Exodus 22:25, Leviticus 25:36, Deuteronomy 23:19). This was a measure to protect the vulnerable from exploitation and maintain social justice. "Unjust gain" broadly encompasses any dishonest or oppressive method of acquiring wealth, such as fraud, extortion, or taking advantage of another's misfortune.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Divine Justice and Retribution: The core message is that wealth acquired through exploitation or dishonesty is inherently unstable and will not remain with the oppressor. God's moral order ensures that such ill-gotten gains will eventually be transferred.
  • Consequences of Greed: The verse serves as a stern warning against the pursuit of wealth at any cost, particularly through means that harm others. It highlights the fleeting nature of riches obtained unrighteously.
  • God's Care for the Poor: Implicitly, the proverb underscores God's concern for the economically vulnerable. The wealth amassed through unjust means is ultimately destined to benefit those who show compassion and provide for the poor, demonstrating a divine rebalancing.
  • Ethical Financial Practices: It is a call for integrity and fairness in all economic dealings, contrasting sharply with exploitative practices.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "usury" is neshekh (נֶשֶׁךְ), which literally means "a bite," suggesting the painful, corrosive effect of excessive interest on the borrower. "Unjust gain" comes from tarbith (תַּרְבִּית) or marbith (מַרְבִּית), referring to an increase or profit obtained through illicit means. The phrase "he shall gather it for him that will pity the poor" powerfully conveys a divine reversal of fortune, where the oppressor's accumulated wealth is ultimately reserved for the benefit of the compassionate.

Related Scriptures

This proverb powerfully illustrates the principle of divine justice where the wealth of the wicked is reserved for the righteous or those who act righteously. Similar sentiments are found in Job 27:16-17, which states that though the wicked may heap up silver, "the just shall put it on, and the innocent shall divide the silver." The contrast with those who "pity the poor" is a central theme in wisdom literature, reflecting the importance of generosity and compassion towards the less fortunate, which is often seen as lending to the Lord Himself.

Practical Application

For a modern audience, this proverb serves as a vital reminder about the importance of ethical conduct in all financial and business dealings. It challenges us to reflect on the source of our wealth and whether it has been acquired with integrity and fairness. It warns against greed and exploitation, emphasizing that such gains are ultimately hollow and transient. Instead, it encourages a life of compassion and generosity, assuring us that true and lasting prosperity is often found in righteous living and caring for others. It also provides comfort and hope to those who suffer under oppressive financial systems, affirming that God's ultimate justice will prevail and that His care for the poor will be demonstrated.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • 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.

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