He makes some people poor and others rich; he humbles some and makes others great.

He lifts the poor from the dust and raises the needy from their misery. He makes them companions of princes and puts them in places of honor. The foundations of the earth belong to the LORD; on them he has built the world.

God says, "I will save those who love me and will protect those who acknowledge me as LORD.

But he rescued the needy from their misery and made their families increase like flocks.

All the trees in the land will know that I am the LORD. I cut down the tall trees and make small trees grow tall. I wither up the green trees and make the dry trees become green. I, the LORD, have spoken. I will do what I have said I would do."

He has brought down mighty kings from their thrones, and lifted up the lowly.

He has filled the hungry with good things, and sent the rich away with empty hands.

"Happy are you who are hungry now; you will be filled! "Happy are you who weep now; you will laugh!

Those Christians who are poor must be glad when God lifts them up,

But the grace that God gives is even stronger. As the scripture says, "God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble."

Come near to God, and he will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners! Purify your hearts, you hypocrites!

Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up.

But after you have suffered for a little while, the God of all grace, who calls you to share his eternal glory in union with Christ, will himself perfect you and give you firmness, strength, and a sure foundation.

God has always been your defense; his eternal arms are your support. He drove out your enemies as you advanced, and told you to destroy them all.

Let us give thanks to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! Because of his great mercy he gave us new life by raising Jesus Christ from death. This fills us with a living hope,