Proverbs 28:8

8. Usury and unjust gain The first word is נשׁךְ , ( neshek), from נשׁךְ , ( nashak,) to bite a bite, or biting. So the Latins called it usura vorax, devouring usury. Leigh’s Critica Sacra says: “The increase of usury is called neshek, because it resembles the biting of a serpent; for as this is so small as to be scarcely perceptible at first, but its venom soon spreads and diffuses itself till it reaches the vitals, so the increase of usury, which at first is not felt, at length grows so much, as by degrees to devour another’s substance.” The second word is תרבית , ( tarbith,) from רבה , ( rabhah,) to increase; and it usually means lawful or moderate interest for the use of money, in opposition to neshek, which means unlawful, exorbitant, or compound interest. This position can hardly be sustained, as both were forbidden to the Hebrews. Comp. Proverbs 13:22; Leviticus 25:35-37; Job 27:17; Exodus 22:24; Deuteronomy 23:19-20; Ezekiel 18:8; Ezekiel 18:13; Ezekiel 18:17; Ezekiel 22:12. The proverb is founded on the Mosaic law, which forbade the taking of interest from “their brethren,” (some confine the precept to poor brethren.) “Usury” in its original sense is simply interest, or the premium paid for the use of money. In this sense it is used in the Bible. Its modern meaning is unlawful, or exorbitant, interest.

Zockler translates: “He that increases his wealth by interest and usury;” and says that neshek is interest, and tarbith, usury; the former term being applied to revenue from money, the latter to exaction in other things.

Shall gather it for him that will pity the poor Or, for compensating the weak or feeble. Providence will so order it that it shall benefit the poor.