1 Then Job continued with his discourse: ISV — Job 29:1
2 “I wish I could go back to how things were a few months ago; when God used to watch over me, ISV — Job 29:2
3 when his lamp used to shine over my head, so I could walk through the dark, ISV — Job 29:3
4 like when I was in my prime and God trusted me with his secrets! a29:4 Lit. God’s counsel was over my tent ISV — Job 29:4
5 “The Almighty was still with me back then, and my children were still around me. ISV — Job 29:5
6 I was successful wherever I went, b29:6 Lit. When my feet were bathed in cream; and even the rocks poured out streams of olive oil for me.” ISV — Job 29:6
7 “Whenever I went out to the city gate, a seat had been reserved for me in the plaza. c29:7 Lit. square; i.e. he served as a ruling elder in his home city ISV — Job 29:7
8 The young men would see me and withdraw, and the aged would rise and stand. ISV — Job 29:8
9 Nobles would refrain from speaking, covering their mouths with their hands. ISV — Job 29:9
10 The voices of the commanders-in-chief d29:10 Lit. Nagidim; i.e. senior officers entrusted with dual roles of operational oversight and administrative authority were hushed, and their tongues would cling to the roofs of their mouths.” ISV — Job 29:10
11 “When people heard me speak, they blessed me; when people saw me, they approved me, ISV — Job 29:11
12 because I delivered the poor who were crying for help, along with orphans who had no one to help them. ISV — Job 29:12
13 Those who were about to die blessed me, and I made widows sing for joy. ISV — Job 29:13
14 I put on righteousness like clothing; my just decisions were like a robe and a turban. ISV — Job 29:14
15 I served as eyes for the blind and feet for the lame. ISV — Job 29:15
16 I was a father to the needy; I diligently inquired into the case of those I didn’t know. ISV — Job 29:16
17 I broke the fangs of the wicked, and made him drop the prey.” ISV — Job 29:17
18 “I used to say: ‘I will die in my home. e29:18 Lit. nest I’m going to live as many days as there are grains of sand on the shore. f29:18 The Heb. lacks on the shore ISV — Job 29:18
19 My roots have spread out and have found water, and dew settles at night on my branches. ISV — Job 29:19
20 My glory renews for me and my bow is as good as new in my hand.’ ISV — Job 29:20
21 “They listened and waited for me, as they remained in silence for my counsel. ISV — Job 29:21
22 After I spoke, they had nothing to say, when what I said hit them. ISV — Job 29:22
23 They waited for me as one waits for rain, as one opens his mouth to drink in a spring rain shower. ISV — Job 29:23
24 I smiled at them when they had no confidence, and no one could discourage me. ISV — Job 29:24
25 I set an example of the way to live, g29:25 Lit. I chose their way as a leader would; I lived like a king among his army; like one who comforts mourners.” ISV — Job 29:25