[1] Job continued to speak: [2] "I wish my life could be the same as it was a few months ago, when God watched over me and cared for me. [3] God's light shined above me, so I could walk through the darkness. [4] I wish for the days when I was successful, when I enjoyed God's friendship and blessing in my home. [5] God All-Powerful was still with me then, and my children were all around me. [6] Life was so good that I washed my feet in cream and had plenty of the finest oils. [7] "Those were the days when I went to the city gate and sat in the public meeting of the elders. [8] When the young men saw me coming, they stepped out of my way. And the old men stood up to show they respected me. [9] The leaders of the people stopped talking and put their hands over their mouths. [10] Even the most important leaders were quiet, as if their tongues were stuck to the roof of their mouths. [11] All who heard me said good things about me. Those who saw what I did praised me, [12] because I helped the poor when they cried out. I helped the orphans who had no one to care for them. [13] People who were dying asked God to bless me. My help brought joy to widows in need. [14] Right living was my clothing. Fairness was my robe and turban. [15] I was like eyes for the blind, like feet for the crippled. [16] I was like a father to the poor. I helped people I didn't even know win their case in court. [17] I stopped evil people from abusing their power and saved innocent people from them. [18] "I always thought I would live a long life, growing old with my family around me. [19] I was like a healthy plant with roots that have plenty of water and branches that are wet with dew. [20] I thought each new day would bring more honor and be full of new possibilities. [21] "In the past people listened to me. They waited quietly for my advice. [22] When I finished speaking, they had nothing more to say. My words fell gently on their ears. [23] They waited for my words as they would for rain. They drank them in like rain in the springtime. [24] I smiled at them, and they could hardly believe it. My smile made them feel better. [25] I was their leader and made decisions about their future. I was like a king among his troops, comforting those who were sad.
