In Chovos HaLevavos, R’ Bachya teaches how to relate to people whom one asks for assistance.
If Hashem fulfills his request through the person to whom one turned, then he should thank Hashem for fulfilling his request, and also acknowledge and thank the one who did him the favor, for his goodness of heart towards him, because of which Hashem helped him with this person as the emissary.
It is known that Hashem brings goodness about through tzaddikim, as Chazal say, “Megalgelin zechus al yedai zakai, v’chova al yedei chayiv,” Good things are brought about through good people, and bad things through bad people. The person is to be appreciated as a good person who tried.
If Hashem does NOT give a person what he wants, he should thank Hashem for answering “No” to his request, and thank the other person for his efforts, even though he did not manage to carry it out as he might have wished.
This is how he should act to his loved ones, acquaintances, employees, and so on.
Similarly, if someone asks him for a favor, whether they are more important or less so than he, he should do his utmost to fulfill their request if it is proper, then trust in Hashem to help him complete the mission. If he is successful, he should thank Hashem for that opportunity.
If he’s not able to, he should let the requestor know that he did his best and was not derelict in trying to assist him.
