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29:1  Job continued speaking:
29:2  "I long for the years gone by when God took care of me,
29:3  when he lit up the way before me and I walked safely through the darkness.
29:4  When I was in my prime, God's friendship was felt in my home.
29:5  The Almighty was still with me, and my children were around me.
29:6  My cows produced milk in abundance, and my groves poured out streams of olive oil.
29:7  "Those were the days when I went to the city gate and took my place among the honored leaders.
29:8  The young stepped aside when they saw me, and even the aged rose in respect at my coming.
29:9  The princes stood in silence and put their hands over their mouths.
29:10  The highest officials of the city stood quietly, holding their tongues in respect.
29:11  "All who heard me praised me. All who saw me spoke well of me.
29:12  For I assisted the poor in their need and the orphans who required help.
29:13  I helped those without hope, and they blessed me. And I caused the widows' hearts to sing for joy.
29:14  Everything I did was honest. Righteousness covered me like a robe, and I wore justice like a turban.
29:15  I served as eyes for the blind and feet for the lame.
29:16  I was a father to the poor and assisted strangers who needed help.
29:17  I broke the jaws of godless oppressors and plucked their victims from their teeth.
29:18  "I thought, 'Surely I will die surrounded by my family after a long, good life.
29:19  For I am like a tree whose roots reach the water, whose branches are refreshed with the dew.
29:20  New honors are constantly bestowed on me, and my strength is continually renewed.'
29:21  "Everyone listened to my advice. They were silent as they waited for me to speak.
29:22  And after I spoke, they had nothing to add, for my counsel satisfied them.
29:23  They longed for me to speak as people long for rain. They drank my words like a refreshing spring rain.
29:24  When they were discouraged, I smiled at them. My look of approval was precious to them.
29:25  Like a chief, I told them what to do. I lived like a king among his troops and comforted those who mourned.