What is the meaning of Proverbs 28:8?

He who increases his wealth

• Solomon begins with a picture of someone bent on amassing riches. The focus is on the method, not simply the money itself.

• Scripture repeatedly distinguishes between honest diligence (Proverbs 10:4; 12:11) and greedy accumulation (Proverbs 15:27; 28:20).

• The phrase highlights intent: wealth is being pursued for self, not for service. Compare Luke 12:16-21 where the rich man’s plans revolve solely around himself, ending in loss.

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by interest and usury

• “Interest and usury” point to taking advantage of another’s need. Under the Mosaic Law, Israel was forbidden to charge fellow Israelites interest on necessities (Exodus 22:25; Deuteronomy 23:19-20).

• The word pair intensifies the charge: this is not legitimate business lending but exploitive rates that crush the vulnerable (Nehemiah 5:7-11).

• Proverbs 22:16 echoes the warning: “He who oppresses the poor to increase his wealth… will only come to poverty.” Unjust profit invites divine intervention.

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lays it up

• The verb pictures stacking or storing—an apparent security. Yet God reserves the right to redirect what is hoarded (Job 27:16-17).

• Ecclesiastes 2:26 observes that God “gives the sinner the task of gathering and storing up wealth to hand it over to the one who pleases God.”

• What seems permanent is provisional; earthly accounts remain subject to heaven’s audit.

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for one who is kind to the poor

• The transfer is purposeful. The acquisitor becomes an unwitting steward, accumulating resources God will place into hands that align with His heart for mercy.

• Proverbs 19:17 promises, “Whoever is kind to the poor lends to the LORD, and He will reward him for what he has done.”

• In God’s economy, generosity outweighs exploitation. Ultimately, Jesus affirms the same principle: “Blessed are you who are poor, for yours is the kingdom of God” (Luke 6:20).

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summary

Proverbs 28:8 exposes a divine reversal: wealth gained through predatory interest is only passing through greedy fingers; the Lord will channel it to those who reflect His compassion. Honest work prospers, but exploitation invites loss. Therefore, pursue gain that blesses others, confident that God defends the poor and governs every transfer of treasure.