Proverbs 28:8

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

Proverbs 28:8 Meaning and Commentary

Proverbs 28:8

He that by usury and unjust gain increaseth his substance
By biting and oppressing the poor; letting him have money at an exorbitant interest, and goods at an exorbitant price, and so increases his substance in this scandalous manner; hence usury is in ( Leviticus 25:36 ) , called "increase", and by the Greeks (tokov) , a "birth", because money is the birth of money, as Aristotle F5 observes; and so by the Latins "foenus", as if it was "foetus" F6, "a birth". The word for usury here signifies biting; and so usury, with classical writers F7, is said to bite; and while it increases the substance of the usurer, it lessens and devours that of others; he shall gather it for him that will pity the poor;
not for himself, nor for his posterity; but for such, though not intentionally but eventually, as will make a good use of it, and distribute it to the necessities of the poor. The meaning is, that things should be so overruled by the providence of God, that what such an avaricious man gets in his dishonest way should not be enjoyed by him or his; but should be taken out of his hands, and put into the hands of another, that will do good with it, by showing mercy to the poor; see ( Job 27:16 Job 27:17 ) .


FOOTNOTES:

F5 Politic. l. 1. c. 10.
F6 A. Gell. Noct. Attic. l. 16. c. 12.
F7 Plauti Pseudolos, Act. 4. Sc. 7. v. 23, 24. "Habet argentum jam admordere hune mihi lubet", Lucan. l. 1. v. 131. "Vorax usura."

Proverbs 28:8 In-Context

6 Better is the poor that walketh in his integrity, Than he that is perverse in [his] ways, though he be rich.
7 Whoso keepeth the law is a wise son; But he that is a companion of gluttons shameth his father.
8 He that augmenteth his substance by interest and increase, Gathereth it for him that hath pity on the poor.
9 He that turneth away his ear from hearing the law, Even his prayer is an abomination.
10 Whoso causeth the upright to go astray in an evil way, He shall fall himself into his own pit; But the perfect shall inherit good.
The American Standard Version is in the public domain.