Proverbs 22.7
“The rich rules over the poor, and the borrower is the slave of the lender.”
This proverb states the general truth that the wealthy have authority over the poor. It is not a judgment about the moral superiority of wealth, nor is it a criticism of poverty; rather, it seems to be suggesting that the wealthy have a moral obligation to not abuse their authority.
The proverb could also be declaring that it is better to be in a position of strength rather than a position of subordination; therefore, it is important to work hard and be productive so that you don’t find yourself in submission to others.
Proverbs 22.8
“Whoever sows injustice will reap calamity, and the rod of his fury will fail.”
Those who do bad things will suffer bad things. They may try to hurt others with “the rod of their fury,” but ultimately their efforts will fail. This aligns with Jesus’ statement that “those who live by the sword, die by the sword” (Mt 26.52)
In every generation there are people and groups who seek to “sow injustice.” We have people and groups today who are seeking to do just that. They won’t reap calamity immediately, and in the meantime they are creating much conflict and chaos, but eventually they will be defeated.
Proverbs 22.9
“Whoever has a bountiful eye will be blessed, for he shares his bread with the poor.”
Generous people will be blessed. Indeed, generosity is a key virtue in the kingdom of God (see Proverbs 11:24; 29:7,14).
Proverbs 22.10
“Drive out a scoffer, and strife will go out, and quarreling and abuse will cease.”
Scoffers pick fights. They are arrogant, selfish, and combative. They don’t solve problems, they cause problems. They like to argue and quarrel. Sometimes the solution to a problem is to get rid of the people who are causing the problem. When you get rid of scoffers, you also get rid of the arguments and quarrels.
