Job Job, chapter Book of Job, chapter 29
Job went on speaking. “I wish I was back in the old days when God looked after me! His light shone above me and lit my way through the darkness. When I was young and strong, God was my friend and spoke to me in my home. The Almighty was still with me and I was surrounded with my children. My herds produced much milk,29:6. Literally, “My steps were washed with butter.” and oil flowed freely from my olive presses. I went out to the city gate and took my seat in the public square.29:7. This was where the city elders met to discuss matters and to judge disputes. The young men saw me and moved out of the way; the elders would stand up for me.29:8. Thus showing respect. The leaders remained silent and covered their mouths with their hands. The voices of the officials were hushed; they held their tongues in my presence.
Everyone who listened to me praised me; whoever saw me commended me, because I gave to the poor who called out to me and the orphans who had no one to help them. Those who were about to die blessed me; I made the widow sing for joy. Being true and acting right29:14. Literally, “righteousness and justice,” but these terms are dated and sometimes misunderstood. Righteousness for example is the nature of a person rather than some outward show, while justice is not so much concerned with legal aspects but doing what is true and right. were what I wore for clothing. I was like eyes for the blind and feet for the lame. I was like a father to the poor, and I defended the rights of strangers. I broke the jaw of the wicked and made them drop their prey from their teeth. I thought I would die at home, after many years.29:18. Literally, “I shall multiply my days like sand.” Like a tree my roots spread out to the water; the dew rests on my branches overnight. Fresh honors were always being given to me; my strength was renewed like an unfailing bow.
People listened carefully to what I had to say; they kept quiet as they listened to my advice. Once I had spoken they had nothing else to say; what I said was enough.29:22. Literally, “my words dropped on them.” They waited for me like people waiting for rain; their mouths wide open for the spring rain. When I smiled at them they could hardly believe it; my approval meant all the world to them.29:24. Literally, “the light of my countenance they did not cast down.” I decided the way forward as their leader, living like a king among his soldiers, and when they were sad I comforted them.”