THE BOOK OF JOB

 

Job Chapter 29

1 ¶ Moreover Job continued his discourse, saying,

2 I wish that my life was like it was in months past, like it was in the days when God watched over me;

3 When his light shined on my head, and when I walked through darkness by his light;

4 As I was in my better days, when the protection of God was on my home;

5 When the Almighty was yet with me, when my children were around me;

6 When I washed my steps with butter, and the rock poured out rivers of oil for me;

7 ¶ When I went out to the gate of the city, when I took my seat in the town square!

8 The young men saw me, and hid themselves: and the aged got up, and stood.

9 The city leaders stopped talking, and laid their hand on their mouth.

10 The highest officials held their peace, and their tongue stuck to the roof of their mouth.

11 When they heard me, they blessed me; and when they saw me, they spoke well of me:

12 Because I rescued the poor who asked for help, and the orphan, who had no one to help him.

13 The blessing of him who was ready to die came upon me: and I caused the widow’s heart to sing for joy.

14 I put on righteousness, and it covered me: my justice was like a robe and a crown.

15 I was eyes to the blind, and I was feet to the lame.

16 I was a father to the poor: and I championed the cause of those I did not know.

17 And I broke the jaws of the wicked, and plucked the spoil out of his teeth.

18 ¶ Then I thought, I will die with my own family, and I will multiply my days as the sand.

19 My root will spread out by the waters, and the dew will lie all night on my branches.

20 My glory will remain fresh in me, and my bow will be renewed in my hand.

21 Men listened to me, and waited silently for my advice.

22 After I spoke they did not speak again; for my words dripped gently on them.

23 They waited for me as for the rain; and they opened their mouth wide as for a spring shower.

24 If I smiled at them, they could not believe it; and they could not make me look discouraged.

25 I directed their course, and presided as chief, and lived like a king among his troops, as one who comforts those who mourn.