תהלים, פרק ע״ה, פסוק ח׳

Human success and failure are often attributed to personal effort, intelligence, or simply the right circumstances. However, a person's actual standing in the world does not depend on personal strength, wisdom, or the alignment of the stars. Instead, these outcomes rest completely in the hands of God and His exact providence. Because all true power belongs exclusively to Him, human pride is ultimately without foundation. God leads the world as an active judge, evaluating humanity and holding people accountable for their wrongdoings [רש״י, מצודת דוד].

As the sole judge, God constantly shifts the fortunes of humanity. He brings down those who are proud and high-ranking, while lifting up those who are lowly and humble [רש״י]. The primary approach among commentators is that these dramatic changes in status are never arbitrary. Rather, they are the result of exact justice applied to every individual at any given moment. Therefore, a person should never become arrogant over their wealth or power, nor should they mistakenly believe that their achievements are the product of blind luck or human effort alone. Everything stems from God's personal oversight, as He sets up invisible ladders in the world to elevate one person while lowering another [אלשיך, אבן עזרא].

The standards of this divine justice often clash with human expectations. God frequently humbles those who appear to everyday observers as perfectly suited for greatness, while pulling people up from the bottom who seemed destined to remain low. Furthermore, this system of judgment is not limited to individuals. Entire nations can be stripped of their power and brought low, regardless of their impressive history, leadership, wisdom, or vast wealth [מאירי]. Ultimately, humanity has nothing to rely upon other than God, as He is the sole source of true power in the world [ביאור שטיינזלץ].