18. “Then I thought, ‘I will die in my nest, and multiply my days like the sand.
19. My roots reach the water, and dew lies on my branches all night.
20. My glory is fresh within me, and my bow is renewed in my hand.’
21. “People listened to me and waited, and kept silent for my advice.
22. After I had spoken, they spoke no more; my words fell on them drop by drop.
23. They waited for me as for the rain, and opened their mouths as for spring rain.
24. When I joked with them, they hardly believed it; they did not cause the light of my face to fall.
25. I chose their way and sat as their chief; I lived as a king among the troops; I was like one who comforts mourners.