[11] Whoever heard me spoke well of me, and those who saw me commended me, [12] because I rescued the poor who cried for help, and the fatherless who had none to assist them. [13] The one who was dying blessed me; I made the widow’s heart sing. [14] I put on righteousness as my clothing; justice was my robe and my turban. [15] I was eyes to the blind and feet to the lame. [16] I was a father to the needy; I took up the case of the stranger. [17] I broke the fangs of the wicked and snatched the victims from their teeth. [18] “I thought, ‘I will die in my own house, my days as numerous as the grains of sand. [19] My roots will reach to the water, and the dew will lie all night on my branches. [20] My glory will not fade; the bow will be ever new in my hand.’ [21] “People listened to me expectantly, waiting in silence for my counsel. [22] After I had spoken, they spoke no more; my words fell gently on their ears. [23] They waited for me as for showers and drank in my words as the spring rain. [24] When I smiled at them, they scarcely believed it; the light of my face was precious to them. [25] I chose the way for them and sat as their chief; I dwelt as a king among his troops; I was like one who comforts mourners.
