14. Everything I did was honest.Righteousness covered me like a robe,and I wore justice like a turban.
15. I served as eyes for the blindand feet for the lame.
16. I was a father to the poorand assisted strangers who needed help.
17. I broke the jaws of godless oppressorsand plucked their victims from their teeth.
18. “I thought, ‘Surely I will die surrounded by my familyafter a long, good life.
19. For I am like a tree whose roots reach the water,whose branches are refreshed with the dew.
20. New honors are constantly bestowed on me,and my strength is continually renewed.’
21. “Everyone listened to my advice.They were silent as they waited for me to speak.
22. And after I spoke, they had nothing to add,for my counsel satisfied them.
23. They longed for me to speak as people long for rain.They drank my words like a refreshing spring rain.
24. When they were discouraged, I smiled at them.My look of approval was precious to them.
25. Like a chief, I told them what to do.I lived like a king among his troopsand comforted those who mourned.