Job 29

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Job Continues His Speech

29 <1> Job continued to speak:

<2> "I wish my life was as it was a few months ago,

when God watched over me and cared for me.

<3> God's light shined above me,

so I could walk through the darkness.

<4> I wish for the days when I was successful,

and God was my close friend.

In those days God blessed my home.

<5> I wish for the time when

God All-Powerful was still with me,

and my children were all around me.

<6> Life was very good then.

I washed my feet in cream,

and I had plenty of the finest oils.[72]

<7> "Those were the days

when I went to the city gate

and sat with the elders of the city in the public meeting place.

<8> All the people there respected me.

The young men stepped out of my way

when they saw me coming.

And the old men stood up

to show they respected me.

<9> The leaders of the people stopped talking

and put their hand to their mouth.

<10> Even the most important leaders

lowered their voices when they spoke.

Yes, it seemed as if their tongues

stuck to the roof of their mouths.

<11> People listened to what I said

and then said good things about me.

They watched what I did,

and then they praised me.

<12> That is because when the poor

cried out for help, I helped.

I helped the orphans who

had no one to care for them.

<13> Those who were dying blessed me.

I helped widows who were in need.

<14> Right living was my clothing.

Fairness was like my robe and turban.[73]

<15> I was the eyes for the blind.

I was the feet for the crippled.

<16> I was like a father to the poor.

I helped people I didn't even know

win their arguments in court.

<17> I stopped evil people from abusing their power

and saved innocent people from them.[74]

<18> "I always thought I would live a long life,

growing old with my family around me.

<19> I thought I would always be able to produce

like a healthy plant with roots that have plenty of water

and branches that are wet with dew.

<20> I thought each new day

would be bright and full of new possibilities.[75]

<21> "In the past people listened to me.

They were quiet while they waited for my advice.

<22> After I had finished speaking,

those listening to me didn't have anything else to say.

My words fell gently into their ears.

<23> People waited for me to speak,

as they would wait for rain.

They drank in my words,

as if there were rain in the springtime.

<24> I laughed with them,

and they couldn't believe it.

My smile made them feel better.

<25> I chose to be with them,

even though I was their leader.

I was like a king in camp with his troops,

comforting those who were sad.