1Job went on speaking.
2“I wish I was back in the old days when God looked after me!
3His light shone above me and lit my way through the darkness.
4When I was young and strong, God was my friend and spoke to me in my home.
5The Almighty was still with me and I was surrounded with my children.
6My herds produced much milk,29:6. Literally, “My steps were washed with butter.” and oil flowed freely from my olive presses.
7I went out to the city gate and took my seat in the public square.29:7. This was where the city elders met to discuss matters and to judge disputes.
8The young men saw me and moved out of the way; the elders would stand up for me.29:8. Thus showing respect.
9The leaders remained silent and covered their mouths with their hands.
10The voices of the officials were hushed; they held their tongues in my presence.
11Everyone who listened to me praised me; whoever saw me commended me,
12because I gave to the poor who called out to me and the orphans who had no one to help them.
13Those who were about to die blessed me; I made the widow sing for joy.
14Being true and acting right29:14. 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. were what I wore for clothing.
15I was like eyes for the blind and feet for the lame.
16I was like a father to the poor, and I defended the rights of strangers.
17I broke the jaw of the wicked and made them drop their prey from their teeth.
18I thought I would die at home, after many years.29:18. Literally, “I shall multiply my days like sand.”
19Like a tree my roots spread out to the water; the dew rests on my branches overnight.
20Fresh honors were always being given to me; my strength was renewed like an unfailing bow.
21People listened carefully to what I had to say; they kept quiet as they listened to my advice.
22Once I had spoken they had nothing else to say; what I said was enough.29:22. Literally, “my words dropped on them.”
23They waited for me like people waiting for rain; their mouths wide open for the spring rain.
24When I smiled at them they could hardly believe it; my approval meant all the world to them.29:24. Literally, “the light of my countenance they did not cast down.”
25I decided the way forward as their leader, living like a king among his soldiers, and when they were sad I comforted them.”