Proverbs 22:7

“The rich ruleth over the poor, etc.] Usurps a dominion over them, and exercises it in a rigorous, oppressive, and tyrannical manner; otherwise they are generally the rich that rule, and if they rule well, in a lawful, gentle, and righteous manner, it is commendable; and the borrower [is] servant to the lender; being under obligation to him, he is forced to be subject to him, and comply with his humours, and do and say as he would have him; it was a happiness promised to the Israelites, that they should lend to many nations, but not borrow, (<051506>Deuteronomy 15:6); compare with this (<160504>Nehemiah 5:4,5).”

“The influence of wealth sets aside moral distinctions is implied, and, of course, disapproved (compare Pro 19:6; Pro 21:14, &c.).”

“Is servant - Is at his mercy, and forced to comply with his pleasure. Proverbs 22:8”

“22:7 This is a warning against being a borrower; other proverbs warn against guaranteeing others’ debts (6:1-2; 20:16).”

“rich: Pro 22:16, Pro 22:22, Pro 14:31, Pro 18:23; Amo 2:6, Amo 4:1, Amo 5:11, Amo 5:12, Amo 8:4, Amo 8:6; Jam 2:6, Jam 5:1, Jam 5:4 the borrower: Kg2 4:1; Neh 5:4, Neh 5:5; Isa 24:2; Mat 18:25 lender: Heb. man that lendeth Proverbs 22:8”

“7 A rich man will rule over the poor, And the borrower is subject to the man who lends. "This is the course of the world. As regards the sing. and plur. in 7a, there are many poor for one rich; and in the Orient the rule is generally in the hands of one" (Hitzig). The fut. denotes how it will and must happen, and the substantival clause 7b, which as such is an expression of continuance (Arab. thabât, i.e., of the remaining and continuing), denotes that contracting of debt brings naturally with it a slavish relation of dependence. לוה, properly he who binds himself to one se ei obligat, and מלוה, as Pro 19:17 (vid., l.c.), qui alterum (mutui datione) obligat, from לוה, Arab. lwy, to wind,…”