21 When the rich person totters, he is supported by friends,

but when the humbled falls, he is pushed away even by friends.

22 If the rich person slips, many come to the rescue;

he speaks unseemly words, but they justify him.

If the humble person slips, they even criticize him;

he talks sense, but is not given a hearing.

23 The rich person speaks and all are silent;

they extol to the clouds what he says.

The poor person speaks and they say, “Who is this fellow?”

And should he stumble, they even push him down.