and the borrower is slave to the lender
This part of the verse underscores the vulnerability and dependency that come with debt. In the ancient Near East, borrowing often led to a loss of freedom, as debtors could become indentured servants if they failed to repay their loans. This reality is reflected in the laws of the Old Testament, such as those found in Leviticus 25:39-43, which provide guidelines for the treatment of debt slaves. The imagery of slavery here is potent, illustrating the loss of autonomy and the burden of obligation that debt imposes. This principle is timeless, warning against the dangers of financial overextension and encouraging prudent stewardship of resources. The New Testament also speaks to the spiritual dimension of debt, with Jesus Christ offering freedom from the ultimate debt of sin, as seen in passages like Romans 6:18, where believers are described as being set free from sin and becoming slaves to righteousness.

Proverbs is a collection of Spirit-inspired sayings that set out how life normally works under God’s moral order. Chapter 22 gathers practical observations aimed at forming wise, God-fearing character (Proverbs 22:1, 4). Verse 7 sits amid warnings about the snares of wealth, pride, and unjust gain (vv. 8–16). These proverbs do not celebrate materialism; they shine a light on how finances reveal the heart and affect relationships, preparing readers to live responsibly before the Lord (Proverbs 3:9–10; 30:8–9).

• Scripture records this reality as a matter-of-fact observation, not an endorsement. Wealth affords power and influence; poverty often leaves people at the mercy of others.

 • Proverbs 18:23: “The poor man pleads for mercy, but the rich man answers harshly.”

 • James 2:6 exposes the same pattern in the church: “Is it not the rich who oppress you and drag you into court?”

• Old Testament law sought to limit oppressive rule by commanding generosity and fair wages (Leviticus 19:13; Deuteronomy 24:14–15).

• Yet, when a society ignores God, riches become a lever for domination (Ecclesiastes 5:8–9). The proverb reminds us to guard our hearts if we prosper and to seek justice for those who lack resources (Proverbs 14:31; 31:8–9).

• Indebtedness places a person under obligation. Though not identical to chattel slavery, it grants the lender real control over the borrower’s time, choices, and peace of mind.

 • Proverbs 6:1-5 urges one who has cosigned a loan to “free yourself… like a gazelle from the hand of the hunter.”

 • Nehemiah 5:3-5 shows families losing fields and children to debt slavery.

 • Deuteronomy 28:43-44 warns that when God’s people forsake His covenant, “the alien… will lend to you, but you will not lend to him; he will be the head, but you will be the tail.”

• The language of “slave” underscores bondage. Monthly payments, interest, and worry can dictate life’s direction more than the Lord’s calling (Matthew 6:24).

• Money is never morally neutral. In fallen hands it becomes a tool for either service or domination (1 Timothy 6:9-10).

• Those with means are positioned to rule because resources open doors:

 - Political sway (Proverbs 17:8).

 - Legal leverage (Micah 2:1-2).

 - Social prestige (Luke 16:19-21).

• God’s design, however, is that influence be exercised in love. Boaz used his prosperity to redeem Ruth (Ruth 4:9-10), reflecting Christ, “though He was rich, yet for your sakes He became poor” (2 Corinthians 8:9).

• Unlike involuntary oppression, borrowing is usually entered by choice. Scripture permits lending (Psalm 37:26) but warns against presuming on the future (James 4:13-15).

• When we sign a loan we effectively place our labor and future income under another’s command until the balance is paid (Romans 13:8).

• God provided Israel with Sabbath and Jubilee cancellations (Leviticus 25:8-17), illustrating His heart for freedom; permanent, crushing debt runs contrary to His redemptive purposes.

Practical safeguards derived from this verse:

• Live beneath your means; contentment is great gain (1 Timothy 6:6).

• Save for needs rather than borrow for wants (Proverbs 21:20).

• If debt already exists, make an exit plan—steady repayment, lifestyle adjustment, perhaps selling assets (Proverbs 3:27-28).

• Seek counsel; wise plans bring victory (Proverbs 15:22).

• Practice generosity even while repaying; giving keeps money from becoming an idol (2 Corinthians 9:6-8).

• Congregations can model freedom by teaching stewardship and offering help without usury (Exodus 22:25).

• Believers in business should lend fairly, remembering the master who forgave their ten-thousand-talent debt (Matthew 18:23-35).

• Advocacy for ethical lending, living wages, and relief programs reflects God’s concern for the vulnerable (Isaiah 58:6-7).

• Our greatest debt—sin—was paid at the cross (Colossians 2:13-14). Spiritual freedom motivates financial freedom; both allow unhindered service to God (Galatians 5:13).

• Christians are redeemed slaves now belonging to the Lord (1 Corinthians 6:20). Managing money wisely becomes part of faithful discipleship, aligning every resource with His kingdom (Matthew 6:33).

Proverbs 22:7 gives a sober snapshot of how money shapes authority and freedom: wealth empowers, debt enslaves. The verse calls us to handle resources humbly, avoid unnecessary borrowing, protect the poor, and use any influence for godly service. Ultimate liberation comes through Christ, who cancels sin’s debt and equips His people to steward finances in a way that blesses others and honors Him.