Proverbs 28:8 - Meaning and Application

Note, first, what is gained by evil means does not last, even if it grows for a while. A man may build a large estate quickly through usury, which is lending money at unfair interest, through extortion, fraud, and oppression of the poor. But it will not remain. He gathers it for himself, yet it will end up belonging to someone else, someone he has no concern for. His property will fall apart, and another person's will rise from its ruins.

Second, God’s providence sometimes arranges things so that what one person took unjustly is used charitably by another. It is wonderfully passed into the hands of someone who pities the poor and uses it for good. In that way, God cuts off the curse that came on it through deceit and violence. The same providence that punishes cruel people by keeping them from doing more harm also rewards merciful people by giving them more means to do good. So the talent is taken from the wicked servant who hid his money, and given to the one who already had and used what he was given. “To everyone who has, more will be given” (Luke 19:24). In this way, the poor are helped, generous people are encouraged, and God is glorified.