Proverbs 22:7 The rich ruleth over the poor, and the borrower is servant to the lender. 

Two kinds of rulers and servants: [1] Rulers, those with wealth and those who lend. [2] Servants, those lacking resources and those bound by debt.

This proverb is not merely descriptive; it is also a warning and a principle for wise living.

While the verse speaks about financial realities, it also points to a broader truth: whatever you depend on can master you. Just as debt can enslave financially, misplaced dependence can bind a person in other areas of life.

Wealth can place one in a position of authority, while debt can place one under obligation. The proverb teaches wisdom in handling resources, encouraging a life that seeks freedom, responsibility, and careful stewardship, rather than unnecessary dependence or control.

Key lessons: Avoid unnecessary debt where possible, as it limits freedom. Be cautious in financial decisions that create long-term obligations. Recognise how money can influence relationships and power structures. If you have resources, use them with fairness and compassion, not control.

Proverbs 22:7 The rich ruleth over the poor, and the borrower is servant to the lender. 

This proverb reveals a practical reality of life: financial position often creates power dynamics. It presents two parallel truths – two kinds of rulers and two kinds of servitude.

‘The rich ruleth over the poor’ – influence through wealth. Wealth often brings influence, authority, and control. Those who have resources are in a position to make decisions, set terms, and shape outcomes. In contrast, the poor may find themselves dependent, with fewer choices and less control over their circumstances.

This does not mean that the rich are inherently better or more deserving, but it highlights a reality: resources can translate into power. This power can be used responsibly and with compassion, or misused through oppression and control.

‘The borrower is servant to the lender’ – bondage through debt. The second part shifts from general wealth to a more personal level – debt. To borrow is to enter into an obligation. The borrower becomes accountable to the lender, and this obligation can limit freedom: Decisions become influenced by repayment pressure. Income is no longer fully one’s own. Stress and dependence increase. In this sense, debt creates a form of servitude – not necessarily physical slavery, but financial and personal constraint. The more one owes, the less freedom one has.

To be continued…

Proverbs 13:7-8 There is that makes himself rich, yet has nothing: there is that makes himself poor, yet has great riches. The ransom of a man’s life are his riches: but the poor hears not rebuke. 

‘There is that makes himself rich, yet has nothing: there is that makes himself poor, yet has great riches.’ This proverb could have two meanings: The rich, poor man who hoards all riches for himself, not giving to others so he can receive true riches; and the poor rich man who gives his all for others and is rich in God (Luke 6:38; 12:21; 2Cor. 9:6). A poor man who pretends to be rich, and a rich man who pretends to be poor.

‘The ransom of a man’s life are his riches: but the poor hears not rebuke.’ A rich man may be able to ransom his life by giving him riches, but no amount of threats will force a poor man to pay anything.