This wise saying reminds us what we all feel, the power of “those who have” are over “those who have-not.” In this verse, “The rich” and “the lender” deal from a position of strength, while “the poor” and “the borrower” from a position of weakness.
It is a fact of life and what this verse says is true. But it is also important to recognize what it doesn’t say!
This wise saying does not suggest that the rich or the lender are righteous or the wise ones, as opposed to “the poor” or “servant” being righteous. It also doesn’t say that it is okay for the rich or lender to be unfair or unscrupulous in their dealings with the poor.
But what Proverbs (even the whole Bible!) does say is that the righteous rich and lender should not treat the poor or the borrower inappropriately (see :9). Instead, they should be grateful for what they have and should do what they can and to be helpful, not hurtful, to those less fortunate.
This verse is not an excuse for the powerful to be inappropriate in their dealings. Rather, it should be a reminder to all that have much at all to be thankful for what we have and be willing to share with and help those who don’t have as much as we do.