Job 29:9-20

The princes stopped talking And put their hands on their mouths; The voices of the nobles were hushed, And their tongues stuck to the roof of their mouths. “For when an ear heard [my name mentioned], it called me happy and fortunate; And when an eye saw [me], it testified for me [approvingly], Because I rescued the poor who cried for help, And the orphan who had no helper. “The blessing of him who was about to perish came upon me, And I made the widow’s heart sing for joy. “I put on righteousness, and it clothed me; My justice was like a robe and a turban! “I was eyes to the blind And I was feet to the lame. “I was a father to the needy; I investigated the case I did not know [and assured justice]. “And I smashed the jaws of the wicked And snatched the prey from his teeth. “Then I said, ‘I shall die in my nest, And I shall multiply my days as the sand. ‘My root is spread out and open to the waters, And the dew lies all night upon my branch. ‘My glory and honor are fresh in me [being constantly renewed], And my bow gains [ever] new strength in my hand.’