Job 29

Thomson(i) 1 Job still further continued his speech, with this exordium: 2 O that I were reinstated as in times past! As in the days of the months when God preserved me; 3 when his lamp shined over my head; when by his light I walked through darkness; 4 when I was making my ways conspicuous; when God watched over my family; 5 when I was thick set with branches, and my servants were around me; 6 when my ways abounded in butter, and my mountains flowed with milk; 7 when I walked early through the city; and a seat was set for me in the streets! 8 The young when they saw me hid themselves; and all the aged stood up. 9 The nobles forbore talking and put their finger on their mouth. 10 And while they who heard me were blessing me, their tongue cleaved to the roof of their mouth. 11 When the ear heard me it blessed me; and the eye when it saw me, turned aside: 12 for I saved the poor from the hand of the mighty; and assisted the orphan who had no helper. 13 The blessing of him who was perishing came upon me: and the mouth of the widow blessed me. 14 I put on righteousness and cloathed myself with justice as with a mantle. 15 I was eyes to the blind and feet to the lame. 16 I was a father to those in distress; and the cause which I knew not I searched out. 17 And I broke the jaws of the unrighteous; and plucked the prey from betwixt their teeth. 18 Therefore I said, My youth shall advance to old age. Like the stock of a palm, I shall live long. 19 My root is spread out by the water; and the dew will abide on my produce. 20 This vain glory of mine shall attend me: my bow is directed by his hand. 21 They who heard me paid close attention; 22 and at my counsel they were silent. To my decree they added nothing But were overjoyed when I spoke to them. 23 As the thirsty earth receiveth rain, so did they my speech. 24 If I smiled on them they could scarce believe it. And the light of my countenance was not lost. 25 I chose their way and sat as chief, and dwelt as a king among warriors; as one who comforteth the afflicted.