# SB 8.22.24 > श्रीभगवानुवाच > ब्रह्मन्यमनुगृह्णामि तद्विशो विधुनोम्यहम > यन्मदः पुरुषः स्तब्धो लोकं मां चावमन्यते ॥२४॥ ## Text > śrī-bhagavān uvāca > brahman yam anugṛhṇāmi > tad-viśo vidhunomy aham > yan-madaḥ puruṣaḥ stabdho > lokaṁ māṁ cāvamanyate ## Synonyms *śrī-bhagavān uvāca*—the Supreme Personality of Godhead said; *brahman*—O Lord Brahmā; *yam*—unto anyone to whom; *anugṛhṇāmi*—I show My mercy; *tat*—his; *viśaḥ*—material opulence or riches; *vidhunomi*—take away; *aham*—I; *yat-madaḥ*—having false prestige due to this money; *puruṣaḥ*—such a person; *stabdhaḥ*—being dull-minded; *lokam*—the three worlds; *mām ca*—unto Me also; *avamanyate*—derides. ## Translation **The Supreme Personality of Godhead said: My dear Lord Brahmā, because of material opulence a foolish person becomes dull-witted and mad. Thus he has no respect for anyone within the three worlds and defies even My authority. To such a person I show special favor by first taking away all his possessions.** ## Purport A civilization that has become godless because of material advancement in opulence is extremely dangerous. Because of great opulence, a materialist becomes so proud that he has no regard for anyone and even refuses to accept the authority of the Supreme Personality of Godhead. The result of such a mentality is certainly very dangerous. To show special favor, the Lord sometimes makes an example of someone like Bali Mahārāja, who was now bereft of all his possessions.