Proverbs 22:7

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Proverbs 22:7

He had said (Prov. 22:2.), Rich and poor meet together; but here he finds, here he shows, that, as to the things of this life, there is a great difference; for, 1. Those that have little will be in subjection to those that have much, because they have dependence upon them, they have received, and expect to receive, support from them: The rich rule over the poor, and too often more than becomes them, with pride and rigour, unlike to God, who, though he be great, yet despises not any. It is part... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Proverbs 22:7

The rich ruleth over the poor ,.... 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,... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Proverbs 22:7

The rich ruieth over the poor - So it is in the order of God, and may be a blessing to both. read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Proverbs 22:1-16

The theme of the earlier part of the chapter may be said to be the good name: the blessings in the possession of it, and the conditions for the acquirement of it—partly negatively, partly positively, described. read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Proverbs 22:6-12

Means to the preservation of the good name I. EARLY TRAINING . ( Proverbs 22:6 .) The young twig must be early bent. Experience teaches us that nothing in the world is so mighty for good or evil as custom; and therefore, says Lord Bacon, "since custom is the principal magistrate of man's life, let man by all means endeavour to obtain good customs. Custom is most perfect when it beginneth in young years; this we call education, which is in effect but an early custom. The tongue is... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Proverbs 22:7

The rich ruleth over the poor. "The rich man (singular) will rule over the poor" (plural); for there are many poor for one rich (see on Proverbs 22:3 ). This is the way of the world ( Proverbs 18:23 ). Aben Ezra explains the gnome as showing the advantage of wealth and the inconvenience of poverty; the former bringing power and pre-eminence, the latter trouble and servitude; and hence the moralist implies that every one should strive and labour to obtain a competency, and thus avoid the... read more

Donald C. Fleming

Bridgeway Bible Commentary - Proverbs 22:1-16

Children and adults (22:1-16)People vary in reputation and status, but they should respect one another as being equally God’s creatures (22:1-2). Wise people will act with caution and humility. They will bring up their children in a way that prepares them for the experiences they will face in the life ahead (3-6). Those who borrow will fall into the power of the lenders, and this can lead to unjust treatment of the poor by the rich. Such oppression will be punished, but generosity will be... read more

E.W. Bullinger

E.W. Bullinger's Companion Bible Notes - Proverbs 22:7

The rich = a rich one. the poor = poor ones. is servant, &c. Illustrations: the widow (2 Kings 4:1 ); the Jews (Nehemiah 5:3 , Nehemiah 5:5 ). read more

James Burton Coffman

Coffman Commentaries on the Bible - Proverbs 22:7

"The rich rule over the poor; And the borrower is servant to the lender."This states an unhappy fact, but without any approval of it (See the first two verses). The apostolic injunction to "Owe no man anything" (Romans 13:8) is the way to avoid the servitude mentioned in the second line. Of course, this involves doing without many things while the money to acquire the things needed is being earned. The widespread practice of young married couples buying everything they want on credit is an... read more

Robert Jamieson; A. R. Fausset; David Brown

Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible - Proverbs 22:7

7. The influence of wealth sets aside moral distinctions is implied, and, of course, disapproved (compare Proverbs 19:6; Proverbs 21:14, &c.). read more

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