[1] Job continued his discourse, saying: [2] If only I could be as in months gone by, in the days when God watched over me, [3] when his lamp shone above my head, and I walked through darkness by his light! [4] I would be as I was in the days of my youth when God's friendship rested on my tent, [5] when the Almighty was still with me and my children were around me, [6] when my feet were bathed in curds and the rock poured out streams of oil for me! [7] When I went out to the city gate and took my seat in the town square, [8] the young men saw me and withdrew, while older men stood to their feet. [9] City officials stopped talking and covered their mouths with their hands. [10] The noblemen's voices were hushed, and their tongues stuck to the roof of their mouths. [11] When they heard me, they blessed me, and when they saw me, they spoke well of me. [12] For I rescued the poor who cried out for help, and the fatherless child who had no one to support him. [13] The dying blessed me, and I made the widow's heart rejoice. [14] I clothed myself in righteousness, and it enveloped me; my just decisions were like a robe and a turban. [15] I was eyes to the blind and feet to the lame. [16] I was a father to the needy, and I examined the case of the stranger. [17] I shattered the fangs of the unjust and snatched the prey from his teeth. [18] So I thought, "I will die in my own nest and multiply my days as the sand. [19] My roots will have access to water, and the dew will rest on my branches all night. [20] My whole being will be refreshed within me, and my bow will be renewed in my hand." [21] Men listened to me with expectation, waiting silently for my advice. [22] After a word from me they did not speak again; my speech settled on them like dew. [23] They waited for me as for the rain and opened their mouths as for spring showers. [24] If I smiled at them, they couldn't believe it; they were thrilled at the light of my countenance. [25] I directed their course and presided as chief. I lived as a king among his troops, like one who comforts those who mourn.
