16. I was a father to the needy;the case I didn’t know, I examined.
17. I shattered the fangs of the wicked,rescued prey from their teeth.
18. I thought, I’ll die in my nest,multiply days like sand,
19. my roots opening to water,dew lingering on my branches,
20. my honor newly with me,my bow ever successful in my hand.
21. People listened to me and waited,were silent for my advice.
22. After my speech, they didn’t respond.My words fell gently on them;
23. they waited for me as for rain,opened their mouth as for spring rain.