16 I was a father to the poor,and I searched out the case that I did not know.
17 I broke the jaws of the wickedand plucked the victim from his teeth.
18 “Then I said, ‘I will die in my nest,and I will multiply my days as the sand.
19 My root was spread out by the waters,and the dew lay all night upon my branch.
20 My glory was fresh in me,and my bow was renewed in my hand.’
21 “Men listened to me and waited,and kept silence for my counsel.
22 After my words they did not speak again,and my speech settled on them like dew.