thinking bible.

You asked

what current economic practices for individuals or nations resemble the kind of 'ruling' or 'being ruled' described here?

The passage, plainly, with room to sit with it.

Proverbs 22:7

The rich rules over the poor. The borrower is servant to the lender.

The book of Proverbs is a collection of ancient wisdom sayings, attributed largely to King Solomon, offering practical guidance for living a good and upright life. This particular proverb observes a common economic reality of its time, highlighting the power dynamics inherent in wealth and debt.

How might economic systems, whether personal or national, create or reinforce a sense of being 'ruled' or 'servant' today?

Keep thinking

Read alongside it

  • Deuteronomy 15:1-2

    Describes the 'release' of debts every seven years, mitigating perpetual servitude.

  • Luke 12:16-21

    Jesus' parable of the rich fool critiques the mindset of hoarding wealth without regard for others.

  • James 5:1-6

    Warns the wealthy about their exploitation of laborers and unjust accumulation of riches.

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