Job 29

Chapter 29

Job Speaks of His Former Blessings

1 Job continued speaking:
2 “I long for the years gone by
when God took care of me,3 when he lit up the way before me
and I walked safely through the darkness.4 When I was in my prime,
God’s friendship was felt in my home.5 The Almighty was still with me,
and my children were around me.6 My cows produced milk in abundance,
and my groves poured out streams of olive oil.7 “Those were the days when I went to the city gate
and took my place among the honored leaders.8 The young stepped aside when they saw me,
and even the aged rose in respect at my coming.9 The princes stood in silence
and put their hands over their mouths.10 The highest officials of the city stood quietly,
holding their tongues in respect.11 “All who heard me praised me.
All who saw me spoke well of me.12 For I assisted the poor in their need
and the orphans who required help.13 I helped those without hope, and they blessed me.
And I caused the widows’ hearts to sing for joy.14 Everything I did was honest.
Righteousness covered me like a robe,
and I wore justice like a turban.15 I served as eyes for the blind
and feet for the lame.16 I was a father to the poor
and assisted strangers who needed help.17 I broke the jaws of godless oppressors
and plucked their victims from their teeth.18 “I thought, ‘Surely I will die surrounded by my family
after a long, good life.t19 For I am like a tree whose roots reach the water,
whose branches are refreshed with the dew.20 New honors are constantly bestowed on me,
and my strength is continually renewed.’21 “Everyone listened to my advice.
They were silent as they waited for me to speak.22 And after I spoke, they had nothing to add,
for my counsel satisfied them.23 They longed for me to speak as people long for rain.
They drank my words like a refreshing spring rain.24 When they were discouraged, I smiled at them.
My look of approval was precious to them.25 Like a chief, I told them what to do.
I lived like a king among his troops
and comforted those who mourned.

JOB 29

Job Continues

I Long for the Past

1 Job said:

2 I long for the past,
when God took care of me,

3 and the light from his lamp
showed me the way
through the dark.

4 I was in the prime of life,
God All-Powerful
was my closest friend,

5 and all of my children
were nearby.

6 My herds gave enough milk
to bathe my feet,
and from my olive harvest
flowed rivers of oil.
*

7 When I sat down at the meeting
of the city council,

8 the young leaders stepped aside,
*

9 while the older ones stood

10 and remained silent.

Everyone Was Pleased

11 Everyone was pleased
with what I said and did.

12 When poor people or orphans
cried out for help,
I came to their rescue.

13 And I was highly praised
for my generosity to widows
and others in poverty.

14 Kindness and justice
were my coat and hat;

15 I was helpful to the blind
and to the lame.

16 I was a father to the needy,
and I defended them in court,
even if they were strangers.

17 When criminals attacked,
I broke their teeth
and set their victims free.

18 I felt certain that I would live
a long and happy life,
then die in my own bed.

19 In those days I was strong
like a tree with deep roots
and with plenty of water,

20 or like an archer's new bow.

21 Everyone listened in silence
to my welcome advice,

22 and when I finished speaking,
nothing needed to be said.

23 My words were eagerly accepted
like the showers of spring,

24 and the smile on my face
renewed everyone's hopes.

25 My advice was followed
as though I were a king
leading my troops,
or someone comforting
those in sorrow.