16. I have never refused to help the poor;never have I let widows live in despair
17. or let orphans go hungry while I ate.
18. All my life I have taken care of them.
19. When I found someone in need,too poor to buy clothes,
20. I would give him clothing made of woolthat had come from my own flock of sheep.Then he would praise me with all his heart.
21. If I have ever cheated an orphan,knowing I could win in court,
22. then may my arms be broken;may they be torn from my shoulders.
23. Because I fear God's punishment,I could never do such a thing.
24. I have never trusted in riches
25. or taken pride in my wealth.
26. I have never worshipped the sun in its brightnessor the moon in all its beauty.
27. I have not been led astray to honour themby kissing my hand in reverence to them.
28. Such a sin should be punished by death;it denies Almighty God.
29. I have never been glad when my enemies suffered,or pleased when they met with disaster;
30. I never sinned by praying for their death.
31. All those who work for me knowthat I have always welcomed strangers.