Proverbs 28:8 Turn about is . . .

He who increases his wealth by exorbitant interest amasses it for another, who will be kind to the poor.

 Solomon is hearkening back to the Law given to Moses, and then to the Hebrew people. Here is one example of God's instructions about loaning money to someone:

And if your brother becomes poor, and falls into poverty among you; then you shall help him: yea, though he be a stranger, or a sojourner; that he may live with you.  Leviticus 25:35

So the Holy Spirit is noting for us in this verse, that if someone oppresses another, by charging huge and exorbitant interest rates for a loan, or helping someone out of a tight spot, the increase may very well be taken from him. And it would be poetic justice if those ill gotten gains were used to relieve others who are poor and needy, would it not?

Here is the heart of the principle:  If a Christian is one of those who would make a dishonest profit and charge exorbitant interest God might well take his money and give it to someone who would show mercy on the poor. Because we are supposed to be merciful, right?

Deuteronomy 15:7, 11
If there is a poor man among your brothers in any of the towns of the land that the LORD your God is giving you, do not be hardhearted or tightfisted toward your poor brother. There will always be poor people in the land. Therefore I command you to be openhanded toward your brothers and toward the poor and needy in your land.

Luke 6:38
Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.

Even in the secular world, we have an example of this principle, in the old saying, "Turn about is fair play." Perhaps we should try to remember that, and always treat others as we'd want to be treated . . . whether it's a brother or sister who is in a tight spot and needs financial help, or a person who just needs some of our time. Time is such a precious commodity in this age -- but investing our time to listen and encourage someone whose heart is aching is truly showing the mercy that we'd want to receive, if we were in their shoes.

Never criticize a man until you have walked a mile in his moccasins.  (American Indian proverb)

Lord, help me to empathize and understand those around me who need my time and encouragement.