4
Those were the days when I was prosperous, and the friendship of God protected my home.
5
Almighty God was with me then, and I was surrounded by all my children.
6
My cows and goats gave plenty of milk, and my olive trees grew in the rockiest soil.
7
Whenever the city elders met and I took my place among them,
8
young men stepped aside as soon as they saw me, and old men stood up to show me respect.
9
The leaders of the people would stop talking;
10
even the most important men kept silent.
11
Everyone who saw me or heard of me had good things to say about what I had done.
12
When the poor cried out, I helped them; I gave help to orphans who had nowhere to turn.
13
People who were in deepest misery praised me, and I helped widows find security.
14
I have always acted justly and fairly.