7-8. When I sat down at the meetingof the city council,the young leaders stepped aside,while the older ones stood
9-10. and remained silent.
11. Everyone was pleasedwith what I said and did.
12. When poor people or orphanscried out for help,I came to their rescue.
13. And I was highly praisedfor my generosity to widowsand others in poverty.
14. Kindness and justicewere my coat and hat;
15. I was good to the blindand to the lame.
16. I was a father to the needy,and I defended them in court,even if they were strangers.
17. When criminals attacked,I broke their teethand set their victims free.
18. I felt certain that I would livea long and happy life,then die in my own bed.
19. In those days I was stronglike a tree with deep rootsand with plenty of water,
20. or like an archer's new bow.
21. Everyone listened in silenceto my welcome advice,
22. and when I finished speaking,nothing needed to be said.
23. My words were eagerly acceptedlike the showers of spring,
24. and the smile on my facerenewed everyone's hopes.