Is respect earned or it is given by God only?

I have a query on this verse from Surah Al Imran (ayah no 26) > Say, "O Allah , Owner of Sovereignty, You give sovereignty to whom You > will and You take sovereignty away from whom You will. You honor whom > You will and You humble whom You will. In Your hand is [all] good. > Indeed, You are over all things competent. My question is it is clear from this verse that Allah honor or give respect to those whom He will and disgrace others at His will. But it is also commonly said that > Respect is earned not given That it is human beings who earn respect. This contradicts what is said by Allah. It is clearly said that it is Allah who gives respect at His will.