16. If I have denied anything that the poor desired,or allowed the eyes of the widow to languish
17. While I ate my portion alone,with no share in it for the fatherless,
18. Though like a father he has reared me from my youth,guiding me even from my mother’s womb—
19. If I have seen a wanderer without clothing,or a poor man without covering,
20. Whose limbs have not blessed mewhen warmed with the fleece of my sheep;
21. If I have raised my hand against the innocentbecause I saw that I had supporters at the gate—
22. Then may my arm fall from the shoulder,my forearm be broken at the elbow!
23. For I dread calamity from God,and his majesty will overpower me.
24. Had I put my trust in goldor called fine gold my security;
25. Or had I rejoiced that my wealth was great,or that my hand had acquired abundance—
26. Had I looked upon the light as it shone,or the moon in the splendor of its progress,
27. And had my heart been secretly enticedto blow them a kiss with my hand,
28. This too would be a crime for condemnation,for I should have denied God above.