Proverbs 22:7

7 The rich will rule over the poor, and the borrower is a slave of {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 [are] in the way of the perverse; he who guards himself will keep away from them.

6 Train the child {concerning his way}; even when he is old, he will not stray from it.

7 The rich will rule over the poor, and the borrower is a slave of {the lender}.

8 He who sows injustice will reap calamity, and the rod of his anger will fail.

9 He [who] {is generous} will be blessed, for he gives to the poor from his [own] bread.

Footnotes

• [a] Literally "the borrower [belonging] to a man"