21-23. “If I’ve ever used my strength and influenceto take advantage of the unfortunate,Go ahead, break both my arms,cut off all my fingers!The fear of God has kept me from these things—how else could I ever face him?
24-28. “Did I set my heart on making big moneyor worship at the bank?Did I boast about my wealth,show off because I was well-off?Was I ever so awed by the sun’s brillianceand moved by the moon’s beautyThat I let myself become seduced by themand worshiped them on the sly?If so, I would deserve the worst of punishments,for I would be betraying God himself.
29-30. “Did I ever crow over my enemy’s ruin?Or gloat over my rival’s bad luck?No, I never said a word of detraction,never cursed them, even under my breath.
31-34. “Didn’t those who worked for me say,‘He fed us well. There were always second helpings’?And no stranger ever had to spend a night in the street;my doors were always open to travelers.Did I hide my sin the way Adam did,or conceal my guilt behind closed doorsBecause I was afraid what people would say,fearing the gossip of the neighbors so muchThat I turned myself into a recluse?You know good and well that I didn’t.