Key Verse Spotlight
Proverbs 28:8 - Meaning and Application
Understand how this verse speaks to what you're facing and how to apply it today
Translation: King James Version
" He that by usury and unjust gain increaseth his substance, he shall gather it for him that will pity the poor. "
Proverbs 28:8
Verse in Context
Understanding the surrounding verses prevents misinterpretation:
6 Better is the poor that walketh in his uprightness, 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 riotous men shameth his father.
8 He that by usury and unjust gain increaseth his substance, he shall gather it for him that will pity the poor.
9 He that turneth away his ear from hearing the law, even his prayer shall be abomination.
10 Whoso causeth the righteous to go astray in an evil way, he shall fall himself into his own pit: but the upright shall have good things in possession.
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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.
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From This Chapter
Proverbs 28:1
"The wicked flee when no man pursueth: but the righteous are bold as a lion."
Proverbs 28:2
"For the transgression of a land many are the princes thereof: but by a man of understanding and knowledge the state thereof shall be prolonged."
Proverbs 28:3
"A poor man that oppresseth the poor is like a sweeping rain which leaveth no food."
Proverbs 28:4
"They that forsake the law praise the wicked: but such as keep the law contend"
Proverbs 28:5
"Evil men understand not judgment: but they that seek the LORD understand"
Proverbs 28:6
"Better is the poor that walketh in his uprightness, than he that is perverse in his ways, though he be rich."
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