Proverbs 22:7

7 The rich rule the poor, and the borrower is slave to the 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 snares beset the way of the stubborn; he who values his life keeps his distance from them.

6 Train a child in the way he [should] go; and, even when old, he will not swerve from it.

7 The rich rule the poor, and the borrower is slave to the lender.

8 He who sows injustice reaps trouble, and the rod of his angry outburst will fail.

9 He who is generous is blessed, because he shares his food with the poor.