How does Proverbs 28:8 warn against gaining wealth through unjust means? The Verse at a Glance Proverbs 28:8: “He who increases his wealth by interest and usury lays it up for one who is kind to the poor.” – God spotlights a person who piles up money by charging unfair, predatory rates. – The Lord states that the very fortune built on exploitation will ultimately slip from that person’s hands and end up benefiting the compassionate. What “Interest and Usury” Communicate – “Interest” here is not ordinary, reasonable lending; it is excessive, crushing markup. – “Usury” speaks of taking advantage of someone’s need—profiting from another’s desperation instead of helping (cf. Exodus 22:25; Deuteronomy 23:19–20). – Practically, it includes every scheme—price-gouging, dishonest fees, shady investments—that treats people as stepping-stones. God’s Warning in Four Clear Steps 1. Unjust gain is real: people can and do get rich through oppression. 2. Such gain offends the Lord, who sees every ledger (Proverbs 11:1). 3. Divine justice overturns the calculator: wealth obtained by sin is temporary (Jeremiah 17:11). 4. God redirects that wealth to the righteous and to the poor whom He champions (Proverbs 13:22; 22:16). Cross-Scripture Echoes – Proverbs 13:11: “Dishonest wealth will dwindle, but whoever gathers by labor increases it.” – Proverbs 28:20, 22: haste for riches vs. faithfulness. – James 5:1-5: wages withheld cry out to the Lord. – 1 Timothy 6:9-10: craving riches plunges people into ruin. The Certain Outcome of Ill-gotten Gain – God’s justice is not theoretical; kings fall and corporations collapse when profits come by oppression (Psalm 37:35-36). – Even if judgment waits until eternity, the exploiters “lay it up” for others—every penny is transferred or lost. – Meanwhile, the “one who is kind to the poor” becomes a steward of resources the oppressor tried to hoard. A Better Path: Righteous Earning and Generosity – Build wealth through honest work (Ephesians 4:28). – Treat every transaction as service to Christ, not self (Colossians 3:23-24). – Give freely to meet needs; generosity invites God’s blessing (Proverbs 11:24-25; 2 Corinthians 9:6-8). – Live knowing that true riches are found not in accounts but in faithfulness to the Lord who owns it all (Psalm 24:1). |
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