Proverbs 22:7 - Printer Friendly

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

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

NASB: The rich rules over the poor, And the borrower becomes the lender’s slave.

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

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

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

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

Many proverbs are framed in two parts, each meant to explain the other. In this case, Solomon notes that when someone takes a loan, the lender "rules" over them, much as a master would over a slave. Other proverbs noted the dangers of going into debt or attaching oneself to borrowing (Proverbs 6:1–3; 11:15).

Another application of this statement is a reminder of common sense in a business relationship. Generally, employers have more money than their employees. They make the rules, and wise employees follow them. If an employee wants to earn a living, he will be a diligent, obedient employee. If he chafes under his employer's rules, he will likely find himself without a paycheck and in the unemployment office (Proverbs 19:12; 20:2).

It is not God's will for his people to be slaves to others. Our will should belong entirely to the Lord. Even Christian slaves in New Testament times were to work as unto the Lord. He was to be their supreme Master. Colossians 3:22–23 addresses slaves with these instructions: "Obey in everything those who are your earthly masters, not by way of eye-service, as people-pleasers, but with sincerity of heart, fearing the Lord. Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men."

Proverbs 22:1–16 dispenses practical advice about gaining a good reputation, avoiding danger, setting children on a good path, finances, pure living, and the Lord's watchfulness and judgment. These verses also speak on the absurdity of laziness, the danger of evil words, and the sin of oppressing the poor. This completes an extensive list of wise sayings (Proverbs 10:1) attributed to Solomon.

This chapter completes a long string of wise sayings attributed to Solomon (Proverbs 10:1). He notes that reputation and godliness are far better than money. He also notes that godly wisdom keeps a person from various dangers. Loving parents use proper discipline to instill wisdom in their children. The last portion of the chapter introduces a new passage, made up of thirty wise teachings which Solomon endorses. This string of advice continues into chapter 24.

This chapter is the last of the second division of the book, including all of chapters 10—21. This section includes some 375 verses, mostly in paired lines. Chapter 22 completes these statements, then introduces a collection of thirty wise sayings endorsed by Solomon. The first five are negative commands, warning to avoid certain vices. Chapter 23 continues with more sayings of advice.

Proverbs is best understood in context with the books of Ecclesiastes and Job. In Proverbs, “wisdom” is given in short, simple, general terms. Ecclesiastes represents wisdom based on observation and experience. This often shows how the general principles of the book of Proverbs don’t apply in absolutely every circumstance. Job represents wisdom based on the experience of suffering and injustice. All three come to the conclusion that God does indeed know best, and the most sensible course of action is to follow His will.