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29:1  Job said:
29:2  I long for the past, when God took care of me,
29:3  and the light from his lamp showed me the way through the dark.
29:4  I was in the prime of life, God All-Powerful was my closest friend,
29:5  and all of my children were nearby.
29:6  My herds gave enough milk to bathe my feet, and from my olive harvest flowed rivers of oil. *
29:7  When I sat down at the meeting of the city council,
29:8  the young leaders stepped aside, *
29:9  while the older ones stood
29:10  and remained silent.
29:11  Everyone was pleased with what I said and did.
29:12  When poor people or orphans cried out for help, I came to their rescue.
29:13  And I was highly praised for my generosity to widows and others in poverty.
29:14  Kindness and justice were my coat and hat;
29:15  I was helpful to the blind and to the lame.
29:16  I was a father to the needy, and I defended them in court, even if they were strangers.
29:17  When criminals attacked, I broke their teeth and set their victims free.
29:18  I felt certain that I would live a long and happy life, then die in my own bed.
29:19  In those days I was strong like a tree with deep roots and with plenty of water,
29:20  or like an archer's new bow.
29:21  Everyone listened in silence to my welcome advice,
29:22  and when I finished speaking, nothing needed to be said.
29:23  My words were eagerly accepted like the showers of spring,
29:24  and the smile on my face renewed everyone's hopes.
29:25  My advice was followed as though I were a king leading my troops, or someone comforting those in sorrow.