Proverbs 22:7 kjv

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

Proverbs 22:7 nkjv

The rich rules over the poor, And the borrower is servant to the lender.

Proverbs 22:7 niv

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

Proverbs 22:7 esv

The rich rules over the poor, and the borrower is the slave of the lender.

Proverbs 22:7 nlt

Just as the rich rule the poor,
so the borrower is servant to the lender.

Proverbs 22 verses

Proverbs 22 7 Meaning

Proverbs 22:7 presents a two-part observation about the powerful dynamics of wealth and debt in society. Firstly, it states the evident truth that those who possess financial wealth often hold positions of influence and control over those who lack it, leading to a natural hierarchy. Secondly, it highlights the stark consequence of indebtedness, emphasizing that a person who borrows money effectively relinquishes a degree of their freedom and becomes beholden to the one who lent to them, thereby becoming a "servant" to the "lender." It serves as a warning about the practical realities and potential pitfalls of economic disparity and financial entanglement.

Proverbs 22 7 Context

Proverbs 22:7 is found within a section often referred to as "The Sayings of the Wise" (beginning around Prov 22:17). These are pithy, observational statements about life, character, and consequences, offering practical wisdom for living well within God's moral order. The immediate context of chapter 22 covers diverse topics, including the value of a good name over riches (v. 1), the shared humanity of rich and poor before God (v. 2), the prudence of foreseeing evil (v. 3), and the upbringing of children (v. 6). Verse 7 sits alongside observations about wealth, poverty, and the importance of diligence, fitting into the larger theme of living wisely and understanding the realities of human society.

Historically and culturally, ancient Israelite society, like many in the Near East, had economic systems where wealth often concentrated power. Debt was a significant issue, often incurred due to agricultural failures, famine, or unforeseen hardships. Without robust social safety nets, a debt could easily lead to forms of servitude (indentured servitude), where a person or even their family members would "sell" themselves into labor for a period to pay off their obligations. Mosaic Law (Torah) contained provisions to alleviate extreme debt burdens and to promote compassionate lending within the community, especially prohibiting interest from fellow Israelites (e.g., Ex 22:25, Lev 25:35-37). Despite these regulations, the social reality expressed in Proverbs 22:7, where economic power translates into relational power, was often stark. The proverb functions not as an endorsement of this power dynamic but as a factual observation to prompt wise choices. It subtly serves as a polemic against the carefree accumulation of debt or the merciless exploitation of those in need.

Proverbs 22 7 Word analysis

• The rich (עָשִׁיר - 'ashir): Refers to those who possess abundant wealth or possessions. In ancient Israel, this might have been landowners, merchants, or those favored by the king. This word emphasizes not just having money but having a significant surplus, granting a particular social standing.
• rule over (מָשַׁל - mashal): Means "to rule," "reign," "govern," "have dominion," or "to be master of." This is a strong word, implying not just influence but actual control and authority. Wealth provided social leverage and political power in a world where property determined status.
• the poor (דָּל - dal): Refers to the weak, helpless, low, or needy. It often highlights not just a lack of material possessions but also a vulnerable social position, often exploited by the powerful.
• and the borrower (לֹוֶה - loveh): One who takes something, typically money, with the intention of returning it. The act of borrowing, by definition, places one in obligation to another.
• is servant (עֶבֶד - 'eved): This term commonly translates as "slave" or "bondservant." It implies a condition of forced labor or absolute dependence and subservience to a master, with limited or no personal freedom. In ancient Israel, one could literally become an 'eved due to unpaid debt.
• to the lender (מַלְוֶה - malveh): One who provides something, usually money, expecting it to be repaid. The malveh holds the position of power and authority in the financial transaction, having the ability to exact repayment and dictate terms.

Words-group by words-group analysis:

• "The rich rule over the poor": This phrase highlights a pervasive social reality throughout history. Wealth confers power, influence, and decision-making authority. It is an observation of a societal truth, not necessarily a divine endorsement of that truth, but a recognition of how human systems often operate. It speaks to the systemic nature of economic disparity.
• "and the borrower is servant to the lender": This phrase serves as a direct, specific example or a parallel truth to the first. It illuminates how economic dependency (debt) strips away personal autonomy. The word "servant" (eved) is significant here, denoting not just being under an obligation, but a profound loss of freedom, reflecting the potential for debt to lead to indentured servitude in ancient times, or at the very least, a significant loss of personal liberty and self-determination in modern contexts. This underscores the power differential inherent in debt relationships.

Proverbs 22 7 Bonus section

The wisdom in Proverbs 22:7 carries profound implications beyond mere financial advice. It reveals a principle about mastery and servanthood that can be applied spiritually: anything to which one owes allegiance or to which one is bound, ultimately holds dominion over them. While it describes worldly economic reality, the Bible frequently contrasts this with God's desire for freedom for His people (Deut 28:12). This verse serves as a powerful reminder of the dignity lost in being under obligation, urging a lifestyle of freedom and dependence on God rather than man or mammon. The observation is crucial for understanding social justice, as the Bible often critiques the oppression arising from such power imbalances while simultaneously encouraging individuals to avoid circumstances that lead to such vulnerability.

Proverbs 22 7 Commentary

Proverbs 22:7 presents a blunt yet timeless insight into economic power dynamics. It first notes the observable fact that wealth naturally confers authority, allowing the rich to exert control over those without resources. This isn't a prescriptive statement, but a recognition of the social leverage that accompanies financial abundance. The proverb then narrows its focus to the specific consequence of borrowing, asserting that one who enters into debt fundamentally becomes subjugated to the lender. The use of "servant" vividly illustrates the loss of independence and the burden of obligation, reminding us that debt restricts freedom. This verse acts as a cautionary tale, urging prudence in financial dealings and highlighting the potential for external control that arises from indebtedness. It advises wisdom not only in acquiring wealth but more crucially, in avoiding the pitfalls of financial dependency, so one can retain their personal liberty. Practically, it encourages self-sufficiency, financial discipline, and an awareness of the power dynamics that often accompany transactions between creditors and debtors.