4. I wish for the days when I was at my strongest,when God’s close friendship blessed my house.
5. That was when my children were all around me.And God All-Powerful was still with me.
6. Life was so good. It was as if my path were covered with cream.It was as if even the rocks poured out streams of olive oil for me.
7. I would go to the city gateand sit in the public square.
8. When the young men saw me, they would step out of my way.And the old men would stand up in respect for me.
9. The leading men stopped speakingand covered their mouths with their hands.
10. The voices of the important men were quiet.It was as if each man’s tongue stuck to the roof of his mouth.
11. Anyone who heard me said good things about me.And those who saw me praised me.
12. This was because I saved the poor who cried for help.And I saved the orphan who had no one to help him.
13. The dying person blessed me.And I made the widow’s heart sing.
14. I put on right living as if it were clothing.I wore fairness as if it were my robe and my turban.
15. I tried to be eyes for the blind.And I tried to be feet for those who were crippled.
16. I was like a father to needy people.And I took the side of strangers when they were in trouble.