16. I was father to the needy.I carefully investigated cases brought by strangers.
17. I broke the teeth of the wicked personand made him drop the prey out of his mouth.
18. “I thought, ‘I may die in my own house,but I will make my days as numerous as the sand.
19. My roots will grow toward the water,and dew will lie on my branches all night.
20. My power will be fresh ⌊every day⌋,and the bow in my hand will remain new.’
21. “People listened to me eagerly,quietly waiting for my advice.
22. After I had spoken, they wouldn’t speak again.After all, my words fell gently on them.
23. They were as eager to hear me as they were for rain.They opened their mouths wide as if waiting for a spring shower.
24. When I smiled at them, they could hardly believe it,but the expression on my face did not change.
25. I decided how they should live.I sat as their leader.I lived like a king among his troops,like one who comforts mourners.