Proverbs 22:7

KJV

¶ The rich ruleth over the poor, and the borrower [is] servant to the lender.

KJV (with Strong's)

The rich {H6223} ruleth {H4910} over the poor {H7326}, and the borrower {H3867} is servant {H5650} to the lender {H376}{H3867}.

Complete Jewish Bible

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

Berean Standard Bible

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

American Standard Version

The rich ruleth over the poor; And the borrower is servant to the lender.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Proverbs 22:7 presents a stark, foundational observation about economic realities and power dynamics within society: wealth confers authority, and debt creates dependency. This proverb functions not as a moral imperative but as a descriptive truth, highlighting the inherent leverage of the affluent over the impoverished and the subservient position of the borrower to the lender, thereby underscoring the practical consequences of financial relationships and the wisdom of prudence.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Proverbs 22:7 is situated within a larger collection of wisdom sayings (Proverbs 22:1-24:34) often referred to as "Sayings of the Wise." This section, distinct from the longer discourses of chapters 1-9 or the "Proverbs of Solomon" in chapters 10-22:16, offers concise, pithy observations on a wide range of life topics, including social justice, wealth, poverty, diligence, and the raising of children. Many proverbs in this segment, like the one at hand, are descriptive rather than prescriptive, detailing how the world often operates rather than how it should. The immediate verses preceding it discuss the value of a good name over riches ([Proverbs 22:1](/proverbs/22-1 "Proverbs 22:1 - A Good Name Over Riches")) and the common lot of rich and poor before God ([Proverbs 22:2](/proverbs/22-2 "Proverbs 22:2 - Rich and Poor Meet Together")), setting a broader context for understanding wealth and poverty from a divine perspective, even as this verse zeroes in on their practical social implications.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Israel and the broader Near East, economic structures were predominantly agrarian, with wealth often tied to land ownership and agricultural produce. Social hierarchies were pronounced, and the concept of debt was deeply ingrained, often leading to severe consequences, including debt slavery (bondservitude) where individuals or families might sell themselves or their children into service to repay debts. While Mosaic Law provided protections against perpetual debt slavery and mandated release in the Jubilee year ([Leviticus 25:10](/leviticus/25-10 "Leviticus 25:10 - The Jubilee Year")), the daily reality was that debt placed a significant burden on the poor, limiting their freedom and subjecting them to the will of their creditors. The proverb reflects this tangible power dynamic, where the ability to lend or borrow significantly shaped social standing and personal autonomy.
* **Key Themes:** This proverb contributes to several overarching themes within the Book of Proverbs. Firstly, it highlights **Economic Power Dynamics**, plainly stating the practical authority that wealth naturally confers. Those with resources possess influence and control, a reality consistently observed throughout history. Secondly, it powerfully addresses the **Burden and Consequences of Debt**, portraying the borrower as a "servant" – a strong metaphor for the loss of independence and the obligation incurred. This theme is echoed in other warnings against financial entanglement, such as those concerning suretyship in [Proverbs 6:1-5](/proverbs/6-1 "Proverbs 6:1-5 - Warnings Against Suretyship"). Thirdly, by exposing these realities, the verse implicitly promotes **Financial Prudence and Responsibility**, encouraging diligence, wise stewardship, and the avoidance of unnecessary debt to maintain personal freedom and avoid subservience. It serves as a practical incentive for self-sufficiency and careful financial management, aligning with the broader wisdom tradition found in the book.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Rich (Hebrew, _ʻâshîyr'_):** From a root meaning "to be rich," this term refers to someone possessing abundant material wealth. In the context of the proverb, it denotes not just financial status but the inherent power and influence that such status often brings, allowing them to exert control or authority.
* **Ruleth (Hebrew, _mâshal'_):** This primitive root signifies "to rule," "have dominion," or "govern." It conveys the idea of exercising authority, control, or leadership. Here, it describes the practical reality of how the wealthy naturally exert influence and control over those who are economically dependent on them, not necessarily through formal governance but through economic leverage.
* **Servant (Hebrew, _ʻebed'_):** Derived from a verb meaning "to serve" or "to work," this noun refers to a servant, slave, or bondman. Its use here is a powerful metaphor, emphasizing the profound state of obligation and subservience that debt imposes. It highlights the loss of autonomy and the binding nature of financial indebtedness, making the borrower beholden to the lender's terms and will.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"The rich ruleth over the poor,"**: This clause states a fundamental social and economic reality. Those who possess wealth (the "rich") inherently wield power, influence, and control over those who lack resources (the "poor"). This "ruling" is not necessarily political or legal but represents the practical leverage that financial independence provides, allowing the rich to dictate terms, set conditions, or simply have more options and less vulnerability.
* **"and the borrower is servant to the lender."**: This second clause elaborates on a specific instance of the first, illustrating how economic power dynamics play out in the context of debt. The act of borrowing creates a relationship of dependency, where the borrower becomes obligated to the lender. The term "servant" (Hebrew: `ʻebed`) is a strong metaphor, vividly portraying the loss of freedom and autonomy that comes with financial indebtedness, placing the borrower under the authority or influence of the one who has provided the loan.

#### Literary Devices
Proverbs 22:7 employs several effective literary devices to convey its profound truth. The most prominent is **Parallelism**, specifically **Synthetic Parallelism**, where the second line expands upon or completes the thought of the first. "The rich ruleth over the poor" establishes a general principle of economic power, which is then concretized and illustrated by "the borrower is servant to the lender." This structure allows the proverb to move from a broad observation to a specific, relatable consequence. The use of **Metaphor** is also crucial, particularly in describing the borrower as a "servant." While not implying literal slavery, this vivid comparison powerfully communicates the loss of freedom, autonomy, and the state of obligation that debt imposes. This **Figurative Language** makes the abstract concept of financial dependency tangible and impactful, serving as a stark warning.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Proverbs 22:7, while a practical observation, carries significant theological weight by highlighting the realities of human brokenness and the need for justice and wisdom in a fallen world. It underscores the inherent power imbalances that arise from economic disparity, a theme frequently addressed throughout Scripture, which often champions the cause of the poor and vulnerable. The proverb implicitly calls for financial prudence and responsibility, aligning with a biblical worldview that values stewardship and warns against the entanglements of debt. It also serves as a sobering reminder that economic freedom is a valuable commodity, and its loss can lead to forms of subjugation, thereby reinforcing the broader biblical emphasis on freedom and liberation.

* [Deuteronomy 15:6](/deuteronomy/15-6 "God's Blessing and Lending")
* [Romans 13:8](/romans/13-8 "Owe No Man Anything")
* [Matthew 6:24](/matthew/6-24 "No One Can Serve Two Masters")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Proverbs 22:7 offers timeless wisdom that transcends ancient economic systems, speaking directly to our contemporary financial landscape. It compels us to critically examine our relationship with money, debt, and economic power. Understanding that wealth confers influence and debt creates dependency should motivate us towards responsible stewardship, encouraging us to live within our means, save diligently, and avoid unnecessary financial obligations that can compromise our freedom and choices. This proverb is not a condemnation of all lending or borrowing, but a profound warning about the inherent power dynamics involved. It challenges us to seek financial independence not for selfish gain, but to be better positioned to serve God and others without the encumbrance of being "servant to the lender," enabling greater generosity and freedom in our Kingdom pursuits.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways do I observe the "rich ruling over the poor" in my own society or even within my personal sphere of influence?**
* **How has debt, or the lack thereof, impacted my sense of freedom and ability to make choices in life?**
* **What practical steps can I take to cultivate greater financial prudence and reduce my vulnerability to becoming "servant to the lender"?**
* **How does this proverb inform my understanding of justice and compassion for those caught in cycles of poverty and debt?**

### FAQ
**Does this proverb mean all debt is sinful or wrong?**

Answer: Not necessarily. Proverbs 22:7 is primarily a descriptive observation of economic reality, not a prescriptive command against all forms of debt. It highlights the inherent power dynamic: debt creates an obligation and a form of subservience. While the Bible generally encourages financial prudence and warns against the dangers and entanglements of debt ([Proverbs 6:1-5](/proverbs/6-1 "Proverbs 6:1-5 - Warnings Against Suretyship")), it also acknowledges legitimate reasons for borrowing (e.g., for necessary investments or housing) and lending (e.g., to help the needy, as seen in [Deuteronomy 15:7-8](/deuteronomy/15-7 "Deuteronomy 15:7-8 - Lending to the Poor")). The key takeaway is caution and wisdom: understand the implications of debt, strive to avoid unnecessary obligations, and manage finances responsibly to preserve freedom and autonomy.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Proverbs 22:7 describes a practical economic reality, its deeper fulfillment is found in the person and work of Jesus Christ, who radically redefines power, service, and freedom from debt. In a world where the rich "rule" and the borrower is "servant," Christ, though "rich, yet for your sakes he became poor" ([2 Corinthians 8:9](/2_corinthians/8-9 "2 Corinthians 8:9 - Christ's Poverty for Our Riches")), reversing the earthly dynamic. He did not come to rule with earthly power but to serve ([Mark 10:45](/mark/10-45 "Mark 10:45 - The Son of Man Came to Serve")), liberating humanity from the ultimate debt: the debt of sin. Through His sacrificial death on the cross, Jesus paid the price for our spiritual indebtedness, freeing us from the "bondage of corruption" ([Romans 8:21](/romans/8-21 "Romans 8:21 - Freedom from Corruption")) and making us "servants of righteousness" rather than "servants of sin" ([Romans 6:18](/romans/6-18 "Romans 6:18 - Servants of Righteousness")). He is the ultimate Lender who, in His grace, extends mercy and forgiveness, transforming our status from debtors to adopted children, heirs with Him ([Romans 8:17](/romans/8-17 "Romans 8:17 - Heirs with Christ")). Thus, in Christ, the oppressive reality of being "servant to the lender" is utterly subverted by the liberating truth of being "free indeed" ([John 8:36](/john/8-36 "John 8:36 - The Son Sets You Free")) through His atoning work.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

2 Kings 4:1

¶ Now there cried a certain woman of the wives of the sons of the prophets unto Elisha, saying, Thy servant my husband is dead; and thou knowest that thy servant did fear the LORD: and the creditor is come to take unto him my two sons to be bondmen.

Proverbs 14:31

¶ He that oppresseth the poor reproacheth his Maker: but he that honoureth him hath mercy on the poor.

Proverbs 22:16

¶ He that oppresseth the poor to increase his [riches, and] he that giveth to the rich, [shall] surely [come] to want.

Proverbs 18:23

¶ The poor useth intreaties; but the rich answereth roughly.

Matthew 18:25

But forasmuch as he had not to pay, his lord commanded him to be sold, and his wife, and children, and all that he had, and payment to be made.

James 2:6

But ye have despised the poor. Do not rich men oppress you, and draw you before the judgment seats?

Proverbs 22:22

¶ Rob not the poor, because he [is] poor: neither oppress the afflicted in the gate: