The rich rule over the poorThis phrase highlights a recurring theme in biblical literature regarding the dynamics of wealth and power. In ancient Israel, as in many societies, wealth often translated into social and political influence. The rich, by virtue of their resources, could exert control over the less fortunate, shaping societal structures to their advantage. This concept is echoed in other scriptures, such as
Ecclesiastes 5:8, which acknowledges the oppression of the poor and the perversion of justice. The Bible frequently warns against the misuse of wealth and power, urging the rich to act justly and to care for the needy, as seen in passages like
Isaiah 1:17 and
James 2:6.
and the borrower is slave to the lender
This part of the verse underscores the vulnerability and dependency that come with debt. In the ancient Near East, borrowing often led to a loss of freedom, as debtors could become indentured servants if they failed to repay their loans. This reality is reflected in the laws of the Old Testament, such as those found inLeviticus 25:39-43, which provide guidelines for the treatment of debt slaves. The imagery of slavery here is potent, illustrating the loss of autonomy and the burden of obligation that debt imposes. This principle is timeless, warning against the dangers of financial overextension and encouraging prudent stewardship of resources. The New Testament also speaks to the spiritual dimension of debt, with Jesus Christ offering freedom from the ultimate debt of sin, as seen in passages likeRomans 6:18, where believers are described as being set free from sin and becoming slaves to righteousness.
Persons / Places / Events
1.
The RichIndividuals who possess wealth and resources, often having influence and power over others.
2.
The PoorThose who lack financial resources and are often subject to the authority or control of the wealthy.
3.
The BorrowerA person who takes on debt, thereby entering into a relationship of obligation to the lender.
4.
The LenderThe individual or entity that provides resources or money to the borrower, establishing a position of authority over them.
Teaching Points
Understanding Financial AuthorityRecognize that wealth often brings power and influence, which can be used for good or ill. Christians are called to use their resources responsibly and ethically.
The Burden of DebtAcknowledge that debt can lead to a form of bondage, limiting freedom and creating stress. It is wise to avoid unnecessary debt and strive for financial independence.
Biblical StewardshipEmbrace the biblical principle of stewardship, managing resources wisely and living within one's means to avoid the pitfalls of debt.
Generosity and LendingConsider the biblical call to generosity, where lending is done with a spirit of kindness and without expecting repayment, reflecting God's grace.
Spiritual Implications of DebtReflect on how financial obligations can impact one's spiritual life, potentially hindering one's ability to serve God fully and freely.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1.What is the meaning of Proverbs 22:7?
2.How does Proverbs 22:7 illustrate the dangers of debt in our lives?
3.What does "borrower is slave to the lender" teach about financial responsibility?
4.How can Proverbs 22:7 guide Christians in making wise financial decisions?
5.What other Scriptures warn against the pitfalls of debt and financial bondage?
6.How can we apply Proverbs 22:7 to achieve financial freedom and stewardship?
7.How does Proverbs 22:7 relate to modern financial practices and debt?
8.What historical context influenced the writing of Proverbs 22:7?
9.Does Proverbs 22:7 suggest a moral stance on lending and borrowing?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Proverbs 22?
11.Proverbs 22:7: Why does the text point out the rule of the rich over the poor but offer no direct solution to systemic economic oppression?
12.Should Christians consider taking out a mortgage?
13.Should we avoid owing anything to anyone?
14.Should Christians celebrate Valentine's Day?What Does Proverbs 22:7 Mean
ContextProverbs is a collection of Spirit-inspired sayings that set out how life normally works under God’s moral order. Chapter 22 gathers practical observations aimed at forming wise, God-fearing character (Proverbs 22:1, 4). Verse 7 sits amid warnings about the snares of wealth, pride, and unjust gain (vv. 8–16). These proverbs do not celebrate materialism; they shine a light on how finances reveal the heart and affect relationships, preparing readers to live responsibly before the Lord (Proverbs 3:9–10; 30:8–9).
“The rich rule over the poor”• Scripture records this reality as a matter-of-fact observation, not an endorsement. Wealth affords power and influence; poverty often leaves people at the mercy of others.
•Proverbs 18:23: “The poor man pleads for mercy, but the rich man answers harshly.”
•James 2:6 exposes the same pattern in the church: “Is it not the rich who oppress you and drag you into court?”
• Old Testament law sought to limit oppressive rule by commanding generosity and fair wages (Leviticus 19:13;Deuteronomy 24:14–15).
• Yet, when a society ignores God, riches become a lever for domination (Ecclesiastes 5:8–9). The proverb reminds us to guard our hearts if we prosper and to seek justice for those who lack resources (Proverbs 14:31; 31:8–9).
“And the borrower is slave to the lender”• Indebtedness places a person under obligation. Though not identical to chattel slavery, it grants the lender real control over the borrower’s time, choices, and peace of mind.
•Proverbs 6:1-5 urges one who has cosigned a loan to “free yourself… like a gazelle from the hand of the hunter.”
•Nehemiah 5:3-5 shows families losing fields and children to debt slavery.
•Deuteronomy 28:43-44 warns that when God’s people forsake His covenant, “the alien… will lend to you, but you will not lend to him; he will be the head, but you will be the tail.”
• The language of “slave” underscores bondage. Monthly payments, interest, and worry can dictate life’s direction more than the Lord’s calling (Matthew 6:24).
The link between wealth and influence• Money is never morally neutral. In fallen hands it becomes a tool for either service or domination (1 Timothy 6:9-10).
• Those with means are positioned to rule because resources open doors:
- Political sway (Proverbs 17:8).
- Legal leverage (Micah 2:1-2).
- Social prestige (Luke 16:19-21).
• God’s design, however, is that influence be exercised in love. Boaz used his prosperity to redeem Ruth (Ruth 4:9-10), reflecting Christ, “though He was rich, yet for your sakes He became poor” (2 Corinthians 8:9).
Debt as voluntary servitude• Unlike involuntary oppression, borrowing is usually entered by choice. Scripture permits lending (Psalm 37:26) but warns against presuming on the future (James 4:13-15).
• When we sign a loan we effectively place our labor and future income under another’s command until the balance is paid (Romans 13:8).
• God provided Israel with Sabbath and Jubilee cancellations (Leviticus 25:8-17), illustrating His heart for freedom; permanent, crushing debt runs contrary to His redemptive purposes.
Wisdom for personal financesPractical safeguards derived from this verse:
• Live beneath your means; contentment is great gain (1 Timothy 6:6).
• Save for needs rather than borrow for wants (Proverbs 21:20).
• If debt already exists, make an exit plan—steady repayment, lifestyle adjustment, perhaps selling assets (Proverbs 3:27-28).
• Seek counsel; wise plans bring victory (Proverbs 15:22).
• Practice generosity even while repaying; giving keeps money from becoming an idol (2 Corinthians 9:6-8).
Implications for church and society• Congregations can model freedom by teaching stewardship and offering help without usury (Exodus 22:25).
• Believers in business should lend fairly, remembering the master who forgave their ten-thousand-talent debt (Matthew 18:23-35).
• Advocacy for ethical lending, living wages, and relief programs reflects God’s concern for the vulnerable (Isaiah 58:6-7).
Freedom in Christ and stewardship• Our greatest debt—sin—was paid at the cross (Colossians 2:13-14). Spiritual freedom motivates financial freedom; both allow unhindered service to God (Galatians 5:13).
• Christians are redeemed slaves now belonging to the Lord (1 Corinthians 6:20). Managing money wisely becomes part of faithful discipleship, aligning every resource with His kingdom (Matthew 6:33).
summaryProverbs 22:7 gives a sober snapshot of how money shapes authority and freedom: wealth empowers, debt enslaves. The verse calls us to handle resources humbly, avoid unnecessary borrowing, protect the poor, and use any influence for godly service. Ultimate liberation comes through Christ, who cancels sin’s debt and equips His people to steward finances in a way that blesses others and honors Him.
Verse 7. -
The rich ruleth over the poor. "The rich man (singular) will rule over the poor" (plural); for there are many poor for one rich (see on ver. 3). This is the way of the world (
Proverbs 18:23). Aben Ezra explains the gnome as showing the advantage of wealth and the inconvenience of poverty; the former bringing power and pre-eminence, the latter trouble and servitude; and hence the moralist implies that every one should strive and labour to obtain a competency, and thus avoid the evils of impecuniosity. The borrower is servant to the lender. (For the relation between borrower and louder, or debtor and creditor, see on Proverbs 20:16; and comp.
Matthew 18:25, 34.) Delitzsch cites the German saying, "Borghart (borrower) is Lehnhart's (leader's) servant." We have the proverb, "He that goes a-borrowing goes a-sorrowing." The Septuagint departs from the other versions and our Hebrew text, translating, "The rich will role over the poor, and household servants will lend to their own masters" - a reading on which some of the Fathers have commented.
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew
The richעָ֭שִׁיר(‘ā·šîr)Adjective - masculine singular
Strong's 6223:Richruleיִמְשׁ֑וֹל(yim·šō·wl)Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 4910:To rule, have dominion, reignover the poor,בְּרָשִׁ֣ים(bə·rā·šîm)Preposition-b | Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine plural
Strong's 7326:To be in want or poorand the borrowerלֹ֝וֶ֗ה(lō·weh)Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular
Strong's 3867:To twine, to unite, to remain, to borrow, to lendis slaveוְעֶ֥בֶד(wə·‘e·ḇeḏ)Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 5650:Slave, servantto the lender.מַלְוֶֽה׃(mal·weh)Verb - Hifil - Participle - masculine singular
Strong's 3867:To twine, to unite, to remain, to borrow, to lend
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OT Poetry: Proverbs 22:7 The rich rule over the poor (Prov. Pro Pr) 
