He who increases his wealth by interest and usury lays it up for one who is kind to the poor. He who increases his wealth by interest and usuryIsrael’s law forbade lending at interest to impoverished fellow Israelites, who borrowed because of need rather than opportunity (Exodus 22:25; Leviticus 25:35–37; Deuteronomy 23:19–20). Wealth gained by exploiting distress violates the covenant duty to protect the poor and reflects dishonest gain rather than righteous stewardship. God weighs financial practices by justice, mercy, and faithfulness, not merely by profit. Lev 25:36-37 Do not take any interest or profit from him,… lays it up for one who is kind to the poor. God can overturn unjust accumulation and direct its benefits toward those who show mercy. The righteous recognize that possessions belong to the Lord and use them to relieve need, not deepen it (Proverbs 19:17; Isaiah 58:6–7). Such generosity reflects the character of Christ, who became poor for His people so that they might receive the riches of His grace (2 Corinthians 8:9). God’s kingdom ultimately reverses the advantages of the selfish, and the meek will inherit the earth (Matthew 5:5). Pro 13:22 A good man leaves an inheritance to his children’s children,… Persons / Places / Events 1. The Wealth AccumulatorThis person is characterized by gaining wealth through interest and usury, which implies exploiting others financially. 2. The Kind Benefactor This individual is the eventual recipient of the wealth accumulated by the first person. They are noted for their kindness to the poor. 3. The Poor Representing those in need, the poor are the focus of the benefactor's kindness and generosity. Teaching Points The Ethics of Wealth AccumulationThe Bible warns against gaining wealth through unethical means such as excessive interest and usury. Believers are called to consider the impact of their financial practices on others. God's Justice and Redistribution God’s justice ensures that wealth gained through exploitation will ultimately benefit those who are righteous and kind to the poor. This reflects a divine redistribution that aligns with God’s values. The Call to Generosity Christians are encouraged to be generous and kind, especially to the poor. This aligns with the character of God and His commands throughout Scripture. Trust in God's Provision Believers should trust that God will provide for their needs as they act justly and generously, rather than relying on unethical financial practices. The Role of Stewardship Christians are stewards of the resources God has given them. They should use their wealth to bless others, particularly those in need, reflecting God’s love and compassion. Bible Study Questions 1. How does Proverbs 28:8 challenge our modern financial practices, especially regarding loans and interest?2. In what ways can we ensure that our financial dealings reflect the biblical principles of justice and compassion? 3. How does the concept of divine redistribution in Proverbs 28:8 encourage us to trust in God's justice and provision? 4. What are some practical ways we can be "kind to the poor" in our communities today? 5. How do the teachings of Jesus in the New Testament reinforce the principles found in Proverbs 28:8 regarding wealth and generosity? Connections to Other Scriptures Exodus 22:25This verse prohibits charging interest to the poor, highlighting God's concern for fair treatment and compassion towards those in need. Psalm 112:5 This passage praises the man who deals generously and lends freely, contrasting with the one who gains wealth through usury. Luke 6:34-35 Jesus teaches about lending without expecting anything in return, emphasizing the virtue of generosity over financial gain.
People SolomonPlaces JerusalemTopics Amasses, Augmenteth, Augments, Biting, Excessive, Exorbitant, Favouring, Gain, Gather, Gathereth, Gathers, Gets, Gracious, Greater, Increase, Increases, Increaseth, Interest, Kind, Makes, Multiplying, Pity, Poor, Substance, Taking, Unjust, Usury, WealthDictionary of Bible Themes Proverbs 28:8 5353 interest Library Two Coverings and Two ConsequencesA Sermon (No. 3500) by C. H. Spurgeon, April 4th, 1875, at the Metropolitan Tabernacle, Newington. Published February 24th, 1916. "He that covereth his sins shall not prosper."--Proverbs 28:13. "Thou Hast covered all their sins."--Psalm 85:2. In these two texts we have man's covering, which is worthless and culpable, and God's covering, which is profitable and worthy of all acceptation. No sooner had man disobeyed his Maker's will in the garden of Eden than he discovered to his surprise and dismay … C.H. Spurgeon—Sermons on Proverbs The Right Kind of Fear He Does Battle for the Faith; He Restores Peace among those who were at Variance; He Takes in Hand to Build a Stone Church. "If we Confess Our Sins, He is Faithful and Just to Forgive us Our Sins", "When Solomon was Old. " Letter xxiv (Circa A. D. 1126) to Oger, Regular Canon Epistle xxv. To Gregoria. "And the Life. " How Christ is the Life. "And There is None that Calleth Upon Thy Name, that Stirreth up Himself to Take Hold on Thee," How to be Admonished are those who Give Away what is their Own, and those who Seize what Belongs to Others. The Authority and Utility of the Scriptures Adoption Proverbs Links Proverbs 28:8 NIVProverbs 28:8 NLT Proverbs 28:8 ESV Proverbs 28:8 NASB Proverbs 28:8 KJV Proverbs 28:8 Commentaries Bible Hub |
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