Proverbs 28:8
He that by usury and unjust gain increaseth his substance, he shall gather it for him that will pity the poor.
Original Language Analysis
וְבתַרְבִּ֑ית
and unjust gain
H8636
וְבתַרְבִּ֑ית
and unjust gain
Strong's:
H8636
Word #:
4 of 7
multiplication, i.e., percentage or bonus in addition to principal
לְחוֹנֵ֖ן
it for him that will pity
H2603
לְחוֹנֵ֖ן
it for him that will pity
Strong's:
H2603
Word #:
5 of 7
properly, to bend or stoop in kindness to an inferior; to favor, bestow; causatively to implore (i.e., move to favor by petition)
Cross References
Proverbs 13:22A good man leaveth an inheritance to his children's children: and the wealth of the sinner is laid up for the just.Ecclesiastes 2:26For 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 25:36Take thou no usury of him, or increase: but fear thy God; that thy brother may live with thee.Exodus 22:25If 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 18:17That 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.Proverbs 14:31He that oppresseth the poor reproacheth his Maker: but he that honoureth him hath mercy on the poor.Ezekiel 18:13Hath given forth upon usury, and hath taken increase: shall he then live? he shall not live: he hath done all these abominations; he shall surely die; his blood shall be upon him.Ezekiel 18:8He that hath not given forth upon usury, neither hath taken any increase, that hath withdrawn his hand from iniquity, hath executed true judgment between man and man,
Historical Context
Ancient Near Eastern economies often involved lending at interest, but Israel's covenant law mandated different ethics—reflecting God's character as defender of the poor. Nehemiah 5 records post-exilic reforms against usury. James 5:1-6 warns wealthy oppressors of coming judgment.
Questions for Reflection
- How does your financial stewardship reflect mercy toward those in need versus personal accumulation?
- Are there ways you benefit from systemic injustice that exploits vulnerable populations?
- How can you use your resources to 'pity the poor' as God's agent of redistribution?
Analysis & Commentary
He that by usury and unjust gain increaseth his substance—The Hebrew neshek (usury, interest) literally means 'bite,' reflecting predatory lending. Combined with tarbit (unjust gain, excessive interest), this condemns exploiting the vulnerable. Yet divine irony prevails: he shall gather it for him that will pity the poor.
Leviticus 25:35-37 explicitly forbade charging interest to fellow Israelites, especially the poor. Wealth accumulated through exploitation ultimately transfers to the righteous who show chanan (mercy, favor) to the needy. God redistributes ill-gotten wealth—a principle seen in Proverbs 13:22: 'The wealth of the sinner is laid up for the just.'