18. for from my youth, I raised him as his father,and since the day I was born I guided the widow —
19. if I have seen anyone dying for lack of clothingor a needy person without a cloak,
20. if he did not bless mewhile warming himself with the fleece from my sheep,
21. if I ever cast my vote against a fatherless childwhen I saw that I had support in the city gate,
22. then let my shoulder blade fall from my back,and my arm be pulled from its socket.
23. For disaster from God terrifies me,and because of His majesty I could not do these things.
24. If I placed my confidence in goldor called fine gold my trust,
25. if I have rejoiced because my wealth is greator because my own hand has acquired so much,
26. if I have gazed at the sun when it was shiningor at the moon moving in splendor,
27. so that my heart was secretly enticedand I threw them a kiss,
28. this would also be a crime deserving punishment,for I would have denied God above.
29. Have I rejoiced over my enemy’s distress,or become excited when trouble came his way?
30. I have not allowed my mouth to sinby asking for his life with a curse.
31. Haven’t the members of my household said,“Who is there who has not had enough to eat at Job’s table? ”
32. No stranger had to spend the night on the street,for I opened my door to the traveler.
33. Have I covered my transgressions as others do by hiding my guilt in my heart,
34. because I greatly feared the crowds,and the contempt of the clans terrified me,so I grew silent and would not go outside?
35. If only I had someone to hear my case! Here is my signature; let the Almighty answer me.Let my Opponent compose His indictment.
36. I would surely carry it on my shoulderand wear it like a crown.
37. I would give Him an account of all my steps;I would approach Him like a prince.
38. If my land cries out against meand its furrows join in weeping,