Job 29
1JOB still further continued his speech, with this exordium:
2O! that I were reinstated as in times past! As in the days of the months when God preserved me
3when His lamp shined over my head, when by His light I walked through darkness,
4when I was making my way steadfastly—when God watched over my family
5when I was thick-set with branches, and my servants were around me—
6when my ways abounded in butter, and my mountains flowed with milk—
7when I walked early through the city, and a seat was set for me in the streets!
8The young when they saw me hid themselves; and all the aged stood up.
9The nobles forbore talking and put their finger on their mouth.
10And while they who heard me were blessing me, their tongue cleaved to the roof of their mouth.
11When the ear heard me it blessed me; and the eye when it saw me, turned aside:
12for I saved the poor from the hand of the mighty; and assisted the orphan who had no helper.
13The blessing of him who was perishing came upon me: and the mouth of the widow blessed me.
14I put on righteousness and clothed myself with justice as with a mantle.
15I was eyes to the blind and feet to the lame.
16I was a father to those in distress; and the cause which I knew not I searched out.
17And I broke the jaws of the unrighteous; and plucked the prey from betwixt their teeth.
18Therefore I said, My youth shall advance to old age. Like the stock of a palm, I shall live long.
19My root is spread out by the water; and the dew will abide on my produce.
20This vain glory of mine shall attend me: my bow is directed by His hand.
21They who heard me paid close attention;
22and at my counsel they were silent. To my decree they added nothing, But were overjoyed when I spoke to them.
23As the thirsty earth receiveth rain, so did they my speech.
24If I smiled on them they could scarce believe it. And the light of my countenance was not lost.
25I chose their way and sat as chief, and dwelt as a king among warriors—as one who comforteth the afflicted.