[1] Job began speaking again. [2] If only my life could once again be as it was when God watched over me. [3] God was always with me then and gave me light as I walked through the darkness. [4] Those were the days when I was prosperous, and the friendship of God protected my home. [5] Almighty God was with me then, and I was surrounded by all my children. [6] My cows and goats gave plenty of milk, and my olive trees grew in the rockiest soil. [7] Whenever the city elders met and I took my place among them, [8] young men stepped aside as soon as they saw me, and old men stood up to show me respect. [9] The leaders of the people would stop talking; [10] even the most important men kept silent. [11] Everyone who saw me or heard of me had good things to say about what I had done. [12] When the poor cried out, I helped them; I gave help to orphans who had nowhere to turn. [13] People who were in deepest misery praised me, and I helped widows find security. [14] I have always acted justly and fairly. [15] I was eyes for the blind, and feet for the lame. [16] I was like a father to the poor and took the side of strangers in trouble. [17] I destroyed the power of cruel men and rescued their victims. [18] I always expected to live a long life and to die at home in comfort. [19] I was like a tree whose roots always have water and whose branches are wet with dew. [20] Everyone was always praising me, and my strength never failed me. [21] When I gave advice, people were silent and listened carefully to what I said; [22] they had nothing to add when I had finished. My words sank in like drops of rain; [23] everyone welcomed them just as farmers welcome rain in spring. [24] I smiled on them when they had lost confidence; my cheerful face encouraged them. [25] I took charge and made the decisions; I led them as a king leads his troops, and gave them comfort in their despair.
