Proverbs 22:7

7 The rich rule over the poor, and the borrower is a slave to the lender.^[a]

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 There are thorns and snares on the path of the crooked; the one who guards himself stays far from them.

6 Teach a youth about the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it.

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

8 The one who sows injustice will reap disaster, and the rod of his fury will be destroyed.

9 A generous person will be blessed, for he shares his food with the poor.

Footnotes

• [a]. Dt 28:12-13