Proverbs 22:7

7 The wealthy rule over the poor; a borrower is a slave to a lender.

Proverbs 22:7 Meaning and Commentary

Proverbs 22:7

The rich ruleth over the poor
Usurps a dominion over them, and exercises it in a rigorous, oppressive, and tyrannical manner; otherwise they are generally the rich that rule, and if they rule well, in a lawful, gentle, and righteous manner, it is commendable; and the borrower [is] servant to the lender;
being under obligation to him, he is forced to be subject to him, and comply with his humours, and do and say as he would have him; it was a happiness promised to the Israelites, that they should lend to many nations, but not borrow, ( Deuteronomy 15:6 ) ; compare with this ( Nehemiah 5:4 Nehemiah 5:5 ) .

Proverbs 22:7 In-Context

5 Thorns and nets are in the path of the crooked; those who guard their lives keep their distance.

6 Train children in the way they should go; when they grow old, they won't depart from it.

7 The wealthy rule over the poor; a borrower is a slave to a lender.

8 Those who sow injustice will harvest evil; the rod of their fury will come to an end.

9 Happy are generous people, because they give some of their food to the poor.