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1 Job went on speaking. 2 “I wish I was back in the old days when God looked after me! 3 His light shone above me and lit my way through the darkness. 4 When I was young and strong, God was my friend and spoke to me in my home. 5 The Almighty was still with me and I was surrounded with my children. 6 My herds produced much milk,* and oil flowed freely from my olive presses. 7 I went out to the city gate and took my seat in the public square.† 8 The young men saw me and moved out of the way; the elders would stand up for me.‡ 9 The leaders remained silent and covered their mouths with their hands. 10 The voices of the officials were hushed; they held their tongues in my presence.
11 Everyone who listened to me praised me; whoever saw me commended me, 12 because I gave to the poor who called out to me and the orphans who had no one to help them. 13 Those who were about to die blessed me; I made the widow sing for joy. 14 Being true and acting right§ were what I wore for clothing. 15 I was like eyes for the blind and feet for the lame. 16 I was like a father to the poor, and I defended the rights of strangers. 17 I broke the jaw of the wicked and made them drop their prey from their teeth. 18 I thought I would die at home, after many years.* 19 Like a tree my roots spread out to the water; the dew rests on my branches overnight. 20 Fresh honors were always being given to me; my strength was renewed like an unfailing bow.
21 People listened carefully to what I had to say; they kept quiet as they listened to my advice. 22 Once I had spoken they had nothing else to say; what I said was enough.† 23 They waited for me like people waiting for rain; their mouths wide open for the spring rain. 24 When I smiled at them they could hardly believe it; my approval meant all the world to them.‡ 25 I decided the way forward as their leader, living like a king among his soldiers, and when they were sad I comforted them.”
* 29:6 Literally, “My steps were washed with butter.” † 29:7 This was where the city elders met to discuss matters and to judge disputes. ‡ 29:8 Thus showing respect. § 29:14 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. * 29:18 Literally, “I shall multiply my days like sand.” † 29:22 Literally, “my words dropped on them.” ‡ 29:24 Literally, “the light of my countenance they did not cast down.”