John Gill Commentary Proverbs 22:7

"The rich ruleth over the poor; And the borrower is servant to the lender." — Proverbs 22:7 (ASV)

The rich rules over the poor. Usurps a dominion over them, and exercises it in a rigorous, oppressive, and tyrannical manner; otherwise it is 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 humors, 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, (Deuteronomy 15:6); compare with this (Nehemiah 5:4, Nehemiah 5:5).