Key Verse Spotlight
Proverbs 22:7 - Meaning and Application
Understand how this verse speaks to what you're facing and how to apply it today
Translation: World English Bible — Catholic Edition
" The rich rule over the poor. The borrower is servant to the lender. "
Proverbs 22:7
Verse in Context
Understanding the surrounding verses prevents misinterpretation:
5 Thorns and snares are in the path of the wicked; whoever guards his soul stays 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 rule over the poor. The borrower is servant to the lender.
8 He who sows wickedness reaps trouble, and the rod of his fury will be destroyed.
9 He who has a generous eye will be blessed, for he shares his food with the poor.
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He had said before, “The rich and the poor meet together” (Proverbs 22:2). Here he adds that, in the things of this life, there is still a wide difference between them. Those who have little often end up under the control of those who have much, because they depend on them for support and expect help from them. “The rich rule over the poor,” and too often they do so with pride and harshness, unlike God, who is great yet does not despise anyone.
This is part of the poor person’s burden, that others may trample on them. It is also their duty, as far as they can, to serve those who are kind to them and to show gratitude. Those who are falling behind in their affairs also find themselves at the mercy of those who are ahead. “The borrower is servant to the lender.” He is bound to the lender and may even have to plead, “Have patience with me.” That is why it was part of Israel’s promised blessing that they would lend and not borrow (Deuteronomy 28:12). It should also be our aim to stay out of debt as much as we can. Some people give up their freedom just to satisfy their desire for comfort and luxury.
From This Chapter
Proverbs 22:1
"A good name is more desirable than great riches, and loving favor is better than silver and gold."
Proverbs 22:2
"The rich and the poor have this in common: The LORD is the maker of them all."
Proverbs 22:3
"A prudent man sees danger and hides himself; but the simple pass on, and suffer for it."
Proverbs 22:4
"The result of humility and the fear of the LORD is wealth, honor, and life."
Proverbs 22:5
"Thorns and snares are in the path of the wicked; whoever guards his soul stays far from them."
Proverbs 22:6
"Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it."
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