Whats the Big Deal?

While reminding us of His innumerable blessings, Allah Ta’ala mentions in the last verse of Sura Mulk:

“Say, Tell me if your water were to vanish into the earth, who will bring you a flowing (stream) water?”

This verse was once recited before a man puffed with pride. In his frenzy of haughtiness, he retorted: “Whats the big deal? If our streams sink into the underground earth, all we will do is dig them back out with our spades and hoes.” Consequently Allah Ta’ala caused the water of his eyes to dry out, thus making him blind. Now would the spades and hoes be of any avail in bringing back the water of his eyes? (Jalalain – pg.468)