Money collected through unfair interest or exploiting others doesn’t last. Even if someone gets rich by taking advantage of people, that wealth is often transferred to someone who will use it to help those in need. The Hebrew word for “interest” here is neshekh, which literally means “bite”—a vivid image for how predatory lending feels to the vulnerable. This verse pushes back against the idea that success at any cost is worth it, or that the ends justify the means.

In a world where people often admire those who climb the ladder regardless of how they treat others, this proverb says that ill-gotten gains are unstable. What’s built on exploitation is destined to slip away. Instead, it’s the compassionate and just who end up making a lasting difference. If you’re tempted to cut corners or profit from someone else’s pain, this verse warns that such wins are temporary. True security comes from fairness and generosity, not from squeezing others for your own gain.