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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,* Literally, “My steps were washed with butter.” and oil flowed freely from my olive presses. 7 I went out to the city gate and took my seat in the public square.† This was where the city elders met to discuss matters and to judge disputes. 8 The young men saw me and moved out of the way; the elders would stand up for me.‡ Thus showing respect. 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§ 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. 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.* Literally, “I shall multiply my days like sand.” 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.† Literally, “my words dropped on them.” 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.‡ Literally, “the light of my countenance they did not cast down.” 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.”