18 I always expected to live a long lifeand to die at home in comfort.
19 I was like a tree whose roots always have waterand whose branches are wet with dew.
20 Everyone was always praising me,and my strength never failed me.
21 When I gave advice, people were silentand listened carefully to what I said;
22 they had nothing to add when I had finished.My words sank in like drops of rain;
23 everyone welcomed themjust as farmers welcome rain in spring.
24 I smiled on them when they had lost confidence;my cheerful face encouraged them.