Proverbs 28:8

“He that by usury and unjust gain increaseth his substance, etc.] 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 (<032536>Leviticus 25:36), called “increase”, and by the Greeks tokov, a “birth”, because money is the birth of money, as Aristotlef776 observes; and so by the Latins “foenus”, as if it was “foetus”f777, “a birth”. The word for usury here signifies biting; and so usury, with classical writersf778, 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…”

“usury . . . unjust gain--(Compare Margin). The two terms, meaning nearly the same, may denote excessive interest. God's providence directs the proper use of wealth.”

“Unjust gain - Omit “unjust:” “usury and gain” make up the notion of “gain derived from usury.” Ill-gotten gains do not prosper, after a time they pass into hands that know how to use them better. return to 'Top of Page'”

“28:8 The law prohibited charging needy Israelites interest on loans (Exod 22:25; Lev 25:36; Deut 23:19). The rich were instructed to lend generously to the poor (Prov 3:27-28; 11:24; 28:27; 29:7, 14).”

“that by: Pro 13:22; Job 27:16, Job 27:17; Ecc 2:26 unjust gain: Heb. by increase, Lev 25:36; Eze 18:8, Eze 18:13, Eze 18:17 pity: Pro 19:7; Sa2 12:6 Proverbs 28:9”

“This verse continues a series of proverbs (commencing in Pro 28:7) beginning with a participle: He who increaseth his wealth by interest and usury, Gathereth it for one who is benevolent toward the lowly. Wealth increased by covetous plundering of a neighbour does not remain with him who has scraped it together in so relentless a manner, and without considering his own advantage; but it goes finally into the possession of one who is merciful towards the poor, and thus it is bestowed in a manner that is pleasing to God (cf. Pro 13:22; Job 22:16.). The Kerı̂, which drops the second ב, appears to wish to mitigate the sharpness of the distinction of the second idea supposed in its repetition.…”