16. I was a father to the needy,and I examined the case of the stranger.
17. I shattered the fangs of the unjust and snatched the prey from his teeth.
18. So I thought: I will die in my own nestand multiply my days as the sand.
19. My roots will have access to water, and the dew will rest on my branches all night.
20. My strength will be refreshed within me,and my bow will be renewed in my hand.
21. Men listened to me with expectation,waiting silently for my advice.
22. After a word from me they did not speak again;my speech settled on them like dew.
23. They waited for me as for the rainand opened their mouths as for spring showers.
24. If I smiled at them, they couldn’t believe it;they were thrilled at the light of my countenance.