Proverbs 22:7

7 The rich ruleth over the poor, and the borrower is servant 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 Thorns and snares are in the way of the froward: he that doth keep his soul shall be far from them.
6 Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.
7 The rich ruleth over the poor, and the borrower is servant to the lender.
8 He that soweth iniquity shall reap vanity: and the rod of his anger shall fail.
9 He that hath a bountiful eye shall be blessed; for he giveth of his bread to the poor.

Footnotes 1

  • [a]. the lender: Heb. the man that lendeth
The King James Version is in the public domain.