¹⁶ I was a father to the needy;^(A)
    I took up the case^(B) of the stranger.^(C)

²⁵ Have I not wept for those in trouble?^(A)
    Has not my soul grieved for the poor?^(B)

¹⁹ if I have seen anyone perishing for lack of clothing,^(A)
    or the needy^(B) without garments,

³ Defend the weak and the fatherless;^(A)
    uphold the cause of the poor^(B) and the oppressed.
⁴ Rescue the weak and the needy;
    deliver them from the hand of the wicked.

¹² I know that the Lord secures justice for the poor^(A)
    and upholds the cause^(B) of the needy.^(C)

³¹ Whoever oppresses the poor shows contempt for their Maker,^(A)
    but whoever is kind to the needy honors God.^(B)

⁹ Speak up and judge fairly;
    defend the rights of the poor and needy.^(A)

²³ Your rulers are rebels,^(A)
    partners with thieves;^(B)
they all love bribes^(C)
    and chase after gifts.
They do not defend the cause of the fatherless;
    the widow’s case does not come before them.^(D)