The righteousis concernedfor the rightsof the poor,The wickeddoes not understand[such] concern.
"I was a fatherto the needy,And I investigatedthe casewhich I did not know.
"IfI have despisedthe claimof my maleor femaleslavesWhen they fileda complaintagainstme,
IfI have liftedup my handagainstthe orphan,BecauseI sawI had supportin the gate,
I will rejoiceand be gladin Your lovingkindness,BecauseYou have seenmy affliction;You have knownthe troublesof my soul,
How blessedis he who considersthe helpless;The LORDwill deliverhim in a dayof trouble.
For he will deliverthe needywhen he criesfor help,The afflictedalso, and him who hasnohelper.
He who shutshis earto the cryof the poorWill alsocryhimselfand not be answered.
They are fat,they are sleek,They alsoexcelin deedsof wickedness;They do not pleadthe cause,The causeof the orphan,that they may prosper;And they do not defendthe rightsof the poor.
"They have treatedfatherand motherlightlywithin you. The alienthey have oppressedin your midst;the fatherlessand the widowthey have wrongedin you.
Brethren,evenifanyoneis caughtin anytrespass,you who are spiritual,restoresuch a onein a spiritof gentleness;[each one] lookingto yourself,sothat you toowill not be tempted.
"Pleasedo not let my lordpayattentionto thisworthlessman,Nabal,for as his nameis, sois he. Nabalis his nameand follyis with him; but I your maidservantdid not seethe youngmenof my lordwhomyou sent.
