13. Those who were dying gave me their blessing. I made the hearts of widows sing.
14. I put on a godly life as if it were my clothes. Fairness was my robe and my turban.
15. I was like eyes for those who were blind. I was like feet for those who couldn't walk.
16. I was like a father to needy people. I stood up for strangers in court.
17. Sinners are like animals that have powerful teeth. But I took from their mouths the people they had caught.
18. "I thought, 'I'll die in my own house. The days of my life will be as many as the grains of sand.
19. My roots will reach down to the water. The dew will lie all night on my branches.
20. I will remain healthy and strong. My bow will stay as good as new in my hand.'
21. "People wanted to hear what I had to say. They waited silently for the advice I gave them.
22. After I had spoken, they didn't speak anymore. My words fell gently on their ears.
23. They waited for me just as they would wait for showers. They drank my words just as they would drink the spring rain.
24. When I smiled at them, they could hardly believe it. The light of my face lifted their spirits.