Why the Lender at Interest Stores Up Wealth for Esau

Everyone who lends at interest and lusts for money, and does not know that want will come upon him—the Holy One, blessed be He, is angry with him and destroys him from the world. What is written above concerning this matter? “And My anger shall burn…” (Exodus 22:23). When? “If you lend money to My people” (ibid., the same, 24). This is what Scripture says: “He who increases his wealth by interest” (Proverbs 28:8). How so? Israel would seek to borrow from him, [and a foreigner would seek to borrow from him]. He said: It is better for me that I lend to the foreigner, so that I may take interest from him—and he lent to him. Concerning him Solomon cries out: “He who increases his wealth [by interest and usury gathers it for one who is gracious to the poor]” (Proverbs 28:8). Who is the one who is gracious to the poor? This is Esau. And is Esau gracious to the poor? Rather, when the kingdom provokes him, it takes [his money] and makes with it the needs of the many—paved roads and public buildings. Thus, “he gathers it for one who is gracious to the poor.” Therefore Moses said to them: Take care that you do not lend at interest.