Do not mock the one who wears only a loin-cloth,
or scoff at a person’s bitter day.
For strange are the deeds of the LORD,
hidden from mortals his work.
Many are the oppressed who rise to the throne;
some that none would consider wear a crown.
Many are the exalted who fall into utter disgrace,
many the honored who are given into the power of the few.
Sirach 11:4–6