ה' מוֹרִישׁ וּמַעֲשִׁיר מַשְׁפִּיל אַף מְרוֹמֵם: מֵקִים מֵעָפָר דָּל מֵאַשְׁפֹּת יָרִים אֶבְיוֹן לְהוֹשִׁיב עִם נְדִיבִים וְכִסֵּא כָבוֹד יַנְחִלֵם כִּי לַה' מְצֻקֵי אֶרֶץ וַיָּשֶׁת עֲלֵיהֶם תֵּבֵל:
The LORD makes poor and makes rich; God casts down, God also lifts high. God raises the poor from the dust, lifts up the needy from the dunghill, setting them with nobles, granting them seats of honor. For the pillars of the earth are the LORD's; God has set the world upon them.
[JPS translation]
Suggested Discussion Questions:
1. Why does this text emphasize God's control of wealth?
2. How does this text counter the concept of ownership?
3. If God controls the cycle of material and status, why are some people more privileged than others?
Time Period: Biblical (early ancestors to 165 BCE)