How helpless man is and how he ought to take account of his vulnerability. The providence that he abuses to hurt others will soon trap him and surround him. His position of power will soon be changed as the next wave brings him low and raises up his neighbour. Humility ought to teach him that God loves mercy and that God’s favour towards him should not be judged by any passing elevation. He is not currently in the position of power because of any intrinsic superiority. The tendency of man to attribute his position of advantage to his own skills, when in truth it is something given to him for which he may have failed to give thanks; this tendency is something ugly which will be punished. We will in future find ourselves in need and because we have lent to the poor, God will come to our aid when we cry to him. It is the Lord who brings to our attention those who need our help, our provision, our encouragement. We should see this as a wonderful opportunity to serve our fellow man and to serve God. This is true especially when those in need are of the household of faith. It is our joy to give to believers because the Lord will say to us, ‘Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me’ (Matthew 25:40).