Proverbs 28:8
Proverbs 28:8 in Multiple Translations
He who increases his wealth by interest and usury lays it up for one who is kind to the poor.
He that by usury and unjust gain increaseth his substance, he shall gather it for him that will pity the poor.
He that augmenteth his substance by interest and increase, Gathereth it for him that hath pity on the poor.
He who makes his wealth greater by taking interest, only gets it together for him who has pity on the poor.
Anyone who gets rich through charging interest and profiteering is only storing it up for someone who is kind to the poor.
He that increaseth his riches by vsurie and interest, gathereth them for him that will be mercifull vnto the poore.
Whoso is multiplying his wealth by biting and usury, For one favouring the poor doth gather it.
He who increases his wealth by excessive interest gathers it for one who has pity on the poor.
He that by usury and unjust gain increaseth his substance, he shall gather it for him that will pity the poor.
He that heapeth together riches by usury and loan, gathereth them for him that will be bountiful to the poor.
When people become very rich by charging very high interest [DOU], their money will eventually go to someone who does kind things for the poor.
Berean Amplified Bible — Proverbs 28:8
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Proverbs 28:8 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
מַרְבֶּ֣ה
ה֭וֹנ/וֹ
בְּ/נֶ֣שֶׁךְ
ו/ב/תרבית
וְ/תַרְבִּ֑ית
לְ/חוֹנֵ֖ן
דַּלִּ֣ים
יִקְבְּצֶֽ/נּוּ
מַרְבֶּ֣ה
râbâh
H7235
to multiply
V-Hiphil
ה֭וֹנ/וֹ
hôwn
H1952
substance
N-ms | Suff
בְּ/נֶ֣שֶׁךְ
neshek
H5392
interest
Prep | N-ms
ו/ב/תרבית
tarbîyth
H8636
increment
Conj | Prep | N-fs
וְ/תַרְבִּ֑ית
tarbîyth
H8636
increment
Conj | N-fs
לְ/חוֹנֵ֖ן
chânan
H2603
be gracious
Prep | V-Qal
דַּלִּ֣ים
dal
H1800
poor
Adj
יִקְבְּצֶֽ/נּוּ
qâbats
H6908
to gather
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
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Hebrew Word Reference — Proverbs 28:8
מַרְבֶּ֣ה
râbâh
H7235
"to multiply"
V-Hiphil
This word means to increase or grow, like a plant shooting up. It is used in the Bible to describe something getting bigger or more abundant. The KJV translates it as abundance or bring up.
Definition: 1) be or become great, be or become many, be or become much, be or become numerous 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to become many, become numerous, multiply (of people, animals, things) 1a2) to be or grow great 1b) (Piel) to make large, enlarge, increase, become many 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to make much, make many, have many 1c1a) to multiply, increase 1c1b) to make much to do, do much in respect of, transgress greatly 1c1c) to increase greatly or exceedingly 1c2) to make great, enlarge, do much Aramaic equivalent: re.vah (רְבָה "to grow great" H7236)
Usage: Occurs in 215 OT verses. KJV: (bring in) abundance ([idiom] -antly), [phrase] archer (by mistake for H7232 (רָבַב)), be in authority, bring up, [idiom] continue, enlarge, excel, exceeding(-ly), be full of, (be, make) great(-er, -ly, [idiom] -ness), grow up, heap, increase, be long, (be, give, have, make, use) many (a time), (any, be, give, give the, have) more (in number), (ask, be, be so, gather, over, take, yield) much (greater, more), (make to) multiply, nourish, plenty(-eous), [idiom] process (of time), sore, store, thoroughly, very. See also: Genesis 1:22; 2 Chronicles 33:6; Psalms 16:4.
ה֭וֹנ/וֹ
hôwn
H1952
"substance"
N-ms | Suff
This word refers to wealth or substance, implying that something is enough or of high value. It can also be translated as riches or sufficiency.
Definition: 1) wealth, riches, substance 1a) wealth 1b) price, high value interj 2) enough!, sufficiency
Usage: Occurs in 26 OT verses. KJV: enough, [phrase] for nought, riches, substance, wealth. See also: Psalms 44:13; Proverbs 19:4; Psalms 112:3.
בְּ/נֶ֣שֶׁךְ
neshek
H5392
"interest"
Prep | N-ms
The Hebrew word for interest or usury, this term is used to describe the practice of lending money at excessive rates. It is prohibited in the Bible, as seen in passages like Deuteronomy 23:19-20 and Ezekiel 18:8. The concept of fair lending is central to the book of Leviticus.
Definition: interest, usury
Usage: Occurs in 10 OT verses. KJV: usury. See also: Exodus 22:24; Proverbs 28:8; Psalms 15:5.
ו/ב/תרבית
tarbîyth
H8636
"increment"
Conj | Prep | N-fs
This word refers to an increment or addition, like earning interest on money. It can also mean usury or unjust gain, which is getting money unfairly. The Bible warns against taking advantage of others.
Definition: increment, usury, interest, bonus
Usage: Occurs in 6 OT verses. KJV: increase, unjust gain. See also: Leviticus 25:36; Ezekiel 18:13; Proverbs 28:8.
וְ/תַרְבִּ֑ית
tarbîyth
H8636
"increment"
Conj | N-fs
This word refers to an increment or addition, like earning interest on money. It can also mean usury or unjust gain, which is getting money unfairly. The Bible warns against taking advantage of others.
Definition: increment, usury, interest, bonus
Usage: Occurs in 6 OT verses. KJV: increase, unjust gain. See also: Leviticus 25:36; Ezekiel 18:13; Proverbs 28:8.
לְ/חוֹנֵ֖ן
chânan
H2603
"be gracious"
Prep | V-Qal
This Hebrew word means to show kindness or favor, often by bending or stooping to help someone in need, as seen in the actions of God towards his people.
Definition: 1) to be gracious, show favour, pity 1a) (Qal) to show favour, be gracious 1b) (Niphal) to be pitied 1c) (Piel) to make gracious, make favourable, be gracious 1d) (Poel) to direct favour to, have mercy on 1e) (Hophal) to be shown favour, be shown consideration 1f) (Hithpael) to seek favour, implore favour
Usage: Occurs in 73 OT verses. KJV: beseech, [idiom] fair, (be, find, shew) favour(-able), be (deal, give, grant (gracious(-ly), intreat, (be) merciful, have (shew) mercy (on, upon), have pity upon, pray, make supplication, [idiom] very. See also: Genesis 33:5; Psalms 37:21; Psalms 4:2.
דַּלִּ֣ים
dal
H1800
"poor"
Adj
The Hebrew word for someone who is poor or weak, often describing those in need of help or assistance. In the book of Proverbs, it warns against oppressing the poor, and in Psalm 35:10, it describes the needy and the poor. The word is also used in Isaiah 41:17.
Definition: low, poor, weak, thin, one who is low
Usage: Occurs in 46 OT verses. KJV: lean, needy, poor (man), weaker. See also: Exodus 23:3; Proverbs 19:17; Psalms 41:2.
יִקְבְּצֶֽ/נּוּ
qâbats
H6908
"to gather"
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms | Suff
To gather or collect people or things, like when the Israelites assembled in the book of Numbers. It's about bringing things or people together in one place.
Definition: 1) to gather, assemble 1a) (Qal) to gather, collect, assemble 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to assemble, gather 1b2) to be gathered 1c) (Piel) to gather, gather together, take away 1d) (Pual) to be gathered together 1e) (Hithpael) to gather together, be gathered together
Usage: Occurs in 121 OT verses. KJV: assemble (selves), gather (bring) (together, selves together, up), heap, resort, [idiom] surely, take up. See also: Genesis 41:35; Proverbs 28:8; Psalms 41:7.
Study Notes — Proverbs 28:8
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Proverbs 28:8 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 28:8
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 28:8
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 28:8
- Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 28:8
- Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 28:8
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 28:8
- Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 28:8
- Barnes' Notes on Proverbs 28:8
- Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 28:8
- Sermons on Proverbs 28:8
Context — The Boldness of the Righteous
6Better a poor man who walks with integrity than a rich man whose ways are perverse.
7A discerning son keeps the law, but a companion of gluttons disgraces his father.
8He who increases his wealth by interest and usury lays it up for one who is kind to the poor.
9Whoever turns his ear away from hearing the law, even his prayer is detestable. 10He who leads the upright along the path of evil will fall into his own pit, but the blameless will inherit what is good.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Job 27:16–17 | Though he heaps up silver like dust and piles up a wardrobe like clay, what he lays up, the righteous will wear, and his silver will be divided by the innocent. |
| 2 | Proverbs 13:22 | A good man leaves an inheritance to his children’s children, but the sinner’s wealth is passed to the righteous. |
| 3 | Ecclesiastes 2:26 | To the man who is pleasing in His sight, He gives wisdom and knowledge and joy, but to the sinner He assigns the task of gathering and accumulating that which he will hand over to one who pleases God. This too is futile and a pursuit of the wind. |
| 4 | Leviticus 25:36 | Do not take any interest or profit from him, but fear your God, that your countryman may live among you. |
| 5 | Exodus 22:25 | If you lend money to one of My people among you who is poor, you must not act as a creditor to him; you are not to charge him interest. |
| 6 | Ezekiel 18:17 | He withholds his hand from harming the poor and takes no interest or usury. He keeps My ordinances and follows My statutes. Such a man will not die for his father’s iniquity. He will surely live. |
| 7 | Proverbs 14:31 | Whoever oppresses the poor taunts their Maker, but whoever is kind to the needy honors Him. |
| 8 | Ezekiel 18:8 | He does not engage in usury or take excess interest, but he withholds his hand from iniquity and executes true justice between men. |
| 9 | Ezekiel 18:13 | He engages in usury and takes excess interest. Will this son live? He will not! Since he has committed all these abominations, he will surely die; his blood will be on his own head. |
| 10 | Proverbs 19:7 | All the brothers of a poor man hate him— how much more do his friends avoid him! He may pursue them with pleading, but they are nowhere to be found. |
Proverbs 28:8 Summary
[Proverbs 28:8 teaches us that gaining wealth by taking advantage of others will ultimately lead to that wealth being given to those who are kind and generous to the poor. This verse encourages us to use our resources to help others, rather than exploiting them for personal gain (see also Psalm 112:5 and Deuteronomy 15:7-8). By being generous and kind to the poor, we are actually lending to the Lord and will be rewarded for our actions (Proverbs 19:17). As we consider our own finances and resources, let us remember to trust God to provide for our needs and to use our wealth in ways that honor Him.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to increase wealth by interest and usury in Proverbs 28:8?
In this context, increasing wealth by interest and usury refers to exploiting others for financial gain, as seen in Exodus 22:25 and Leviticus 25:35-37, where the Bible warns against charging interest to the poor and vulnerable.
Who is the 'one who is kind to the poor' mentioned in Proverbs 28:8?
The 'one who is kind to the poor' is likely the righteous and generous individual who will ultimately inherit the wealth, as seen in Proverbs 19:17, where it says that 'whoever is kind to the poor lends to the Lord, and he will reward them for what they have done'.
How does Proverbs 28:8 relate to other biblical teachings on wealth and poverty?
This verse aligns with other biblical teachings, such as Psalm 112:5, which says that 'good will come to those who are generous and lend freely, who conduct their affairs with justice' and Deuteronomy 15:7-8, which instructs us to be openhanded and generous to those in need.
What is the main message of Proverbs 28:8?
The main message is that wealth gained through exploitative means will ultimately be given to those who are kind and generous to the poor, emphasizing the importance of using our resources to help others, as seen in Matthew 25:31-46.
Reflection Questions
- How do I use my resources to help those in need, and what are some ways I can be more generous and kind to the poor?
- What are some ways that I may be unknowingly exploiting others for financial gain, and how can I change my behavior to align with biblical teachings?
- How can I trust God to provide for my needs and the needs of others, rather than relying on exploitative means to gain wealth?
- What does it mean to 'lend to the Lord' by being kind to the poor, and how can I experience the reward promised in Proverbs 19:17?
- How can I balance my desire for financial security with the biblical call to generosity and kindness to the poor?
Gill's Exposition on 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
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 28:8
He that by usury and unjust gain increaseth his substance, he shall gather it for him that will pity the poor. Proverbs 13:22, end; Ecclesiastes 2:26; Job 27:16-17. Usury and unjust gain.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 28:8
By usury and unjust gain, Heb. by usury and (or, or) increase, i.e. by any kind of usury, whereby the poor are oppressed, as is implied from the opposite clause; or by any unrighteous practices. See more of these words and of this thing on ,36 Psalms 15:5 . Shall gather it for him that will pity the poor; it shall not long continue with him or his, but shall by God’ s righteous and powerful providence be disposed into more just and merciful hands.
Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 28:8
Proverbs 28:8 He that by usury and unjust gain increaseth his substance, he shall gather it for him that will pity the poor.Ver. 8. He that by usury and unjust gain, &c.] Usury is condemned by the very heathens (Aristot. Ethic., lib. iv. cap. 1). The ancient law of the Romans make the usurer a thief and worse; the Hebrews make him a biting thief, who gnaweth the debtor to the very bones; yea, the most toothless usury, that usual plea, hath sharp gums, which bite as sore as an old dog or a hungry fly; and under show of licking whole, sucks out the heart blood. Let those who plead for it consider that God dispenseth with no usury, whether neshec or tarbith, biting or toothless; that the lender deals not as he would be dealt with it; that the gospel makes these sinners worse than other sinners when it saith, "Sinners lend to sinners to receive the like," but these to receive more; that at Rome this day all usurers are excommunicated monthly; that the canon law drives them from the sacrament, denies them burial, makes their will no will, as though their goods were not their own; that no man of note in all antiquity - Jews and Manichees excepted - for 1500 years after Christ, hath ever undertaken the defence of usury; that Chrysostom is very fierce against it, comparing it to the stinging of an asp, which casts a man into a sleep, whereof he dies, &c. He shall gather it for him that will pity the poor.] God will provide him an executor never mentioned in his will; or his heir, being a better man, shall freely distribute what he hath wrongfully raked together.
Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 28:8
(8) He that by usury . . . increaseth his substance.—See above on Proverbs 6:1. He shall gather it for him that will pity the poor.—The “pound” is taken from him who knows not how to use it (Luke 19:24), and given to one who does. (Comp. 1 Samuel 15:28.)
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 28:8
Verse 8. He that by usury - increaseth his substance] By taking unlawful interest for his money; lending to a man in great distress, money, for the use of which he requires an exorbitant sum. O that the names of all those unfeeling, hard-hearted, consummate villains in the nation, who thus take advantage of their neighbour's necessities to enrich themselves, were published at every market cross; and then the delinquents all sent to their brother savages in New Zealand. It would be a happy riddance to the country.
Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 28:8
8. unjust gain] Rather, increase, as A.V. marg. and R.V. text, μετὰτόκωνκαὶπλεονασμῶν, LXX. Comp. Leviticus 25:36-37. The idea of its being “unjust” is implied by the word “usury” with which it is associated. The R.V. gives augmenteth, instead of increaseth, in the former part of the verse, as the Heb. word is not the same, as it there renders increase.
Barnes' Notes on Proverbs 28:8
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.
Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 28:8
8. Usury and unjust gain — The first word is πωׁ ?κְ, (neshek), from πωׁ ?κְ, (nashak,) to bite — a bite, or biting. So the Latins called it usura vorax, devouring usury.
Sermons on Proverbs 28:8
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Ii. Abuses to Be Discussed in Councils by Martin Luther | Martin Luther preaches against the abuses in the Roman Catholic Church, particularly focusing on the corruption, greed, and exploitation of power by the pope, cardinals, and bishop |
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Lend, Expecting Nothing by David Servant | David Servant delves into Jesus' command to 'lend, expecting nothing in return,' emphasizing the importance of lending without expecting repayment, especially to the poor and needy |
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Living for Generations to Come by Scott Volk | In this sermon, the speaker reflects on his failure to address certain topics during his recent services. He shares his personal challenges and confesses that he will change his be |
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This Heart Is Too Small - Part 5 by Joshua Daniel | This sermon emphasizes the importance of spiritual legacy and the eternal perspective of life. It challenges individuals to consider the spiritual inheritance they are passing on t |
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Lord, Give Me Your Heart - 2 by Jackie Pullinger | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of caring for the least fortunate in society. He uses the analogy of the long-haired and short-haired groups to represent thos |
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Commands Concerning the Holy Spirit by Bill McLeod | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of rejoicing always and praying without ceasing. He shares personal anecdotes about facing challenges, such as having a flat |
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What Is Prophetic? - Part 1 by Art Katz | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of being prepared to preach the word of God. He reflects on the example of Moses and the depth of God's dealing with him durin |