Job 29

Job 29:1 Job added to his discourse, and said:

Job 29:2 If only I could be as in months before, in the days when God watched over me,

Job 29:3 when his lamp shone above my head, and I walked through darkness by his light!

Job 29:4 I would be as I was in the days of my youth when God’s friendship rested on my tent,

Job 29:5 when the Almighty was still with me and my children were around me,

Job 29:6 when my feet were bathed in curds and the rock poured out streams of oil for me!

Job 29:7 When I went out to the city gate and took my seat in the town square,

Job 29:8 the young men saw me and backed off, while older men stood to their feet.

Job 29:9 City officials stopped talking and covered their mouths with their hands.

Job 29:10 The noblemen’s voices were hushed, and their tongues stuck to the roof of their mouths.

Job 29:11 When they heard me, they praised me, and when they saw me, they spoke well of me.

Job 29:12 Because I rescued the poor who cried out for help, and the fatherless child who had no one to support him.

Job 29:13 The dying blessed me, and I made the widow’s heart rejoice.

Job 29:14 I clothed myself in righteousness, and it enveloped me; my just decisions were like a robe and a turban.

Job 29:15 I was eyes to the blind and feet to the lame.

Job 29:16 I was a father to the needy, and I examined the case of the stranger.

Job 29:17 I broke the fangs of the unfair and snatched the prey from his teeth.

Job 29:18 So I thought, “I will die in my own nest and multiply my days as the sand.

Job 29:19 My roots will have access to water, and the dew will rest on my branches all night.

Job 29:20 My whole being will be refreshed within me, and my bow will be renewed in my hand.”

Job 29:21 Men listened to me with expectation, waiting silently for my advice.

Job 29:22 After a word from me, they did not speak again; my speech settled on them like dew.

Job 29:23 They waited for me as for the rain and opened their mouths as for spring showers.

Job 29:24 If I smiled at them, they couldn’t believe it; they were thrilled at the light of my countenance.

Job 29:25 I directed their course and presided as chief. I lived as a king among his troops, like one who comforts those who mourn.

links:

Jefferson Vann is pastor of Piney Grove Advent Christian Church in Delco, North Carolina. View all posts by Jefferson Vann