He that by usury and unjust gain increaseth his substance, he shall gather it for him that will pity the poor.
Anyone who gets rich by charging excessive interest rates and dishonest profits will end up losing their wealth to someone who will help the poor.
This verse is warning that wealth gained through exploitation and unfair business practices won't last, it will eventually go to those who care for the needy.
📚 Historical Context
In ancient Israelite society, usury, charging excessive interest on loans, and unjust gain were viewed as exploitative practices that harmed the poor, which is why Mosaic laws in the Torah, such as those in Exodus and Deuteronomy, prohibited lending at interest to fellow Israelites and emphasized care for the vulnerable. This proverb from the Book of Proverbs, part of the Wisdom Literature, reflects a broader cultural emphasis on ethical living and divine justice, warning that wealth acquired through wrongdoing would not endure for the wrongdoer. Proverbs as a whole draws from the experiences of wise kings and sages to instruct people on righteous conduct in everyday life.
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