Proverbs 22:7 - Meaning and Application

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.