28:8 The one who increases his wealth by increasing interest 1
gathers it for someone who is gracious 2 to the needy.
1 tn Heb “by interest and increase” (so ASV; NASB “by interest and usury”; NAB “by interest and overcharge.” The two words seem to be synonyms; they probably form a nominal hendiadys, meaning “by increasing [exorbitant] interest.” The law prohibited making a commission or charging interest (Exod 22:25; Lev 25:36-37; Deut 23:20; Ps 15:5). If the poor needed help, the rich were to help them – but not charge them interest.
2 tn The term חוֹנֵן (khonen, “someone who shows favor”) is the active participle.