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