29 Job continues:
2 “Oh, for the years gone by when God took care of me, 3 when he lighted the way before me and I walked safely through the darkness; 4 yes, in my early years, when the friendship of God was felt in my home; 5 when the Almighty was still with me and my children were around me; 6 when my projects prospered and even the rock poured out streams of olive oil to me!
7 “Those were the days when I went out to the city gate and took my place among the honored elders. 8 The young saw me and stepped aside, and even the aged rose and stood up in respect at my coming. 9 The princes stood in silence and laid their hands upon their mouths. 10 The highest officials of the city stood in quietness. 11 All rejoiced in what I said. All who saw me spoke well of me.
12 “For I, as an honest judge,[a] helped the poor in their need and the fatherless who had no one to help them. 13 I helped those who were ready to perish, and they blessed me. And I caused the widows’ hearts to sing for joy. 14 All I did was just and honest, for righteousness was my clothing! 15 I served as eyes for the blind and feet for the lame. 16 I was as a father to the poor and saw to it that even strangers received a fair trial. 17 I knocked out the fangs of the godless oppressors and made them drop their victims.
18 “I thought, ‘Surely I shall die quietly in my nest after a long, good life.’ 19 For everything I did prospered; the dew lay all night upon my fields and watered them. 20 Fresh honors were constantly given me, and my abilities were constantly refreshed and renewed. 21 Everyone listened to me and valued my advice, and was silent until I spoke. 22 And after I spoke, they spoke no more, for my counsel satisfied them. 23 They longed for me to speak as those in drought-time long for rain. They waited eagerly with open mouths. 24 When they were discouraged, I smiled and that encouraged them and lightened their spirits. 25 I told them what they should do and corrected them as their chief, or as a king instructs his army, and as one who comforts those who mourn.