Job 29 :: New Living Translation (NLT)

Job Speaks of His Former Blessings

Job 29:1

Job 29:1Job continued speaking:

Job 29:2

Job 29:2“I long for the years gone by
when God took care of me,

Job 29:3

Job 29:3when he lit up the way before me
and I walked safely through the darkness.

Job 29:4

Job 29:4When I was in my prime,
God’s friendship was felt in my home.

Job 29:5

Job 29:5The Almighty was still with me,
and my children were around me.

Job 29:6

Job 29:6My cows produced milk in abundance,
and my groves poured out streams of olive oil.

Job 29:7

Job 29:7“Those were the days when I went to the city gate
and took my place among the honored leaders.

Job 29:8

Job 29:8The young stepped aside when they saw me,
and even the aged rose in respect at my coming.

Job 29:9

Job 29:9The princes stood in silence
and put their hands over their mouths.

Job 29:10

Job 29:10The highest officials of the city stood quietly,
holding their tongues in respect.

Job 29:11

Job 29:11“All who heard me praised me.
All who saw me spoke well of me.

Job 29:12

Job 29:12For I assisted the poor in their need
and the orphans who required help.

Job 29:13

Job 29:13I helped those without hope, and they blessed me.
And I caused the widows’ hearts to sing for joy.

Job 29:14

Job 29:14Everything I did was honest.
Righteousness covered me like a robe,
and I wore justice like a turban.

Job 29:15

Job 29:15I served as eyes for the blind
and feet for the lame.

Job 29:16

Job 29:16I was a father to the poor
and assisted strangers who needed help.

Job 29:17

Job 29:17I broke the jaws of godless oppressors
and plucked their victims from their teeth.

Job 29:18

Job 29:18“I thought, ‘Surely I will die surrounded by my family
after a long, good life.[fn]

Job 29:19

Job 29:19For I am like a tree whose roots reach the water,
whose branches are refreshed with the dew.

Job 29:20

Job 29:20New honors are constantly bestowed on me,
and my strength is continually renewed.’

Job 29:21

Job 29:21“Everyone listened to my advice.
They were silent as they waited for me to speak.

Job 29:22

Job 29:22And after I spoke, they had nothing to add,
for my counsel satisfied them.

Job 29:23

Job 29:23They longed for me to speak as people long for rain.
They drank my words like a refreshing spring rain.

Job 29:24

Job 29:24When they were discouraged, I smiled at them.
My look of approval was precious to them.

Job 29:25

Job 29:25Like a chief, I told them what to do.
I lived like a king among his troops
and comforted those who mourned.

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NLT Footnotes

(29:18)

Hebrew after I have counted my days like sand.

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