Mainyo-i-Khard 50

The sage asked the spirit of wisdom

thus: 'Wherefore is it when there are instances when a lazy, ignorant, and bad man attains to eminence and great welfare,

and there are instances when a worthy, wise, and good man attains to grievous misery, perplexity, and indigence?'

The spirit of wisdom answered

thus: 'As to him who is a lazy, ignorant, and bad man, when his destiny becomes a helper, that laziness of his then becomes like unto diligence, that ignorance unto knowledge, and that vileness unto goodness.

And as to him who is a wise, worthy, and good man, when his destiny is an opponent, that wisdom of his then turns to stupidity and foolishness (alakth), and that worthiness to ignorance;

and his knowledge, skill, and worthiness become manifestly secluded '