8. then others can eat my harvestand uproot my crops.
9. If I have desired someone's wifeand chased after her,
10. then let some strangersteal my wife from me.
11. If I took someone's wife,it would be a horrible crime,
12. sending me to destructionand my crops to the flames.
13. When my servantscomplained against me,I was fair to them.
14. Otherwise, what answerwould I give to Godwhen he judges me?
15. After all, God is the onewho gave life to each of usbefore we were born.
16. I have never cheated widowsor others in need,
17. and I have always sharedmy food with orphans.
18. Since the time I was young,I have cared for orphansand helped widows.
19. I provided clothes for the poor,
20. and I was praisedfor supplying woollen garmentsto keep them warm.
21. If I have ever raised my armto threaten an orphanwhen the power was mine,
22. I hope that arm will fallfrom its socket.
23. I could not have been abusive;I was terrified at the thoughtthat God might punish me.