16. I was a father to the poor, and I investigated the case which I did not know.
17. And I broke the jaws of the perverse, and snatched the prey from his teeth.
18. Then I thought I would die in my nest, and increase my days as the sand,
19. my root reaching out to the waters, and dew lying all night on my branch,
20. my esteem fresh within me, and my bow renewed in my hand.
21. To me they listened, and they waited, and kept silence at my counsel.
22. After my words they did not speak again, and my speech settled on them.
23. And they waited for me like the rain, and they opened their mouth wide as for the latter rain.
24. I smiled at those who did not believe, and the light of my face they did not dim.
25. I chose the way for them, and sat as chief, and I dwelt like a sovereign in the army, like one who comforts mourners.