16 I was a father to the needy,and I investigated the case of the person I did not know;
17 I broke the fangs of the wicked,and made him drop his prey from his teeth.
18 “Then I thought, ‘I will die in my own home,my days as numerous as the grains of sand.
19 My roots reach the water,and the dew lies on my branches all night long.
20 My glory will always be fresh in me,and my bow ever new in my hand.’
21 “People listened to me and waited silently;they kept silent for my advice.
22 After I had spoken, they did not respond;my words fell on them drop by drop.