The concept of “cause and effect” is well known. However, tzaddikim tell us that, in truth, the “cause” and “effect” are the opposite of what people think they are.

For example, when one has a hole in his pocket and loses money, he thinks that the hole in his pocket causes the monetary loss – the effect. However, the Brisker Rav zt’l explains that the opposite is true. The cause was Hashem’s decree that he should lose money, and therefore he had a hole in his pocket so that Hashem’s command can be fulfilled. ~ R’ Elimelech Biderman