The NLT Book of Job , Chapter 29 , Verse 1 , Job continued speaking:
29:2 'I long for the years gone by when God took care of me,
The NLT Book of Job , Chapter 29 , Verse 2 , 'I long for the years gone by when God took care of me,
29:3 when he lighted the way before me and I walked safely through the darkness.
The NLT Book of Job , Chapter 29 , Verse 3 , when he lighted the way before me and I walked safely through the darkness.
29:4 In my early years, the friendship of God was felt in my home.
The NLT Book of Job , Chapter 29 , Verse 4 , In my early years, the friendship of God was felt in my home.
29:5 The Almighty was still with me, and my children were around me.
The NLT Book of Job , Chapter 29 , Verse 5 , The Almighty was still with me, and my children were around me.
29:6 In those days my cows produced milk in abundance, and my olive groves poured out streams of olive oil.
The NLT Book of Job , Chapter 29 , Verse 6 , In those days my cows produced milk in abundance, and my olive groves poured out streams of olive oil.
29:7 'Those were the days when I went to the city gate and took my place among the honored leaders.
The NLT Book of Job , Chapter 29 , Verse 7 , 'Those were the days when I went to the city gate and took my place among the honored leaders.
29:8 The young stepped aside when they saw me, and even the aged rose in respect at my coming.
The NLT Book of Job , Chapter 29 , Verse 8 , The young stepped aside when they saw me, and even the aged rose in respect at my coming.
29:9 The princes stood in silence and put their hands over their mouths.
The NLT Book of Job , Chapter 29 , Verse 9 , The princes stood in silence and put their hands over their mouths.
29:10 The highest officials of the city stood quietly, holding their tongues in respect.
The NLT Book of Job , Chapter 29 , Verse 10 , The highest officials of the city stood quietly, holding their tongues in respect.
29:11 'All who heard of me praised me. All who saw me spoke well of me.
The NLT Book of Job , Chapter 29 , Verse 11 , 'All who heard of me praised me. All who saw me spoke well of me.
29:12 For I helped the poor in their need and the orphans who had no one to help them.
The NLT Book of Job , Chapter 29 , Verse 12 , For I helped the poor in their need and the orphans who had no one to help them.
29:13 I helped those who had lost hope, and they blessed me. And I caused the widows' hearts to sing for joy.
The NLT Book of Job , Chapter 29 , Verse 13 , I helped those who had lost hope, and they blessed me. And I caused the widows' hearts to sing for joy.
29:14 All I did was just and honest. Righteousness covered me like a robe, and I wore justice like a turban.
The NLT Book of Job , Chapter 29 , Verse 14 , All I did was just and honest. Righteousness covered me like a robe, and I wore justice like a turban.
29:15 I served as eyes for the blind and feet for the lame.
The NLT Book of Job , Chapter 29 , Verse 15 , I served as eyes for the blind and feet for the lame.
29:16 I was a father to the poor and made sure that even strangers received a fair trial.
The NLT Book of Job , Chapter 29 , Verse 16 , I was a father to the poor and made sure that even strangers received a fair trial.
29:17 I broke the jaws of godless oppressors and made them release their victims.
The NLT Book of Job , Chapter 29 , Verse 17 , I broke the jaws of godless oppressors and made them release their victims.
29:18 'I thought, `Surely I will die surrounded by my family after a long, good life.
The NLT Book of Job , Chapter 29 , Verse 18 , 'I thought, `Surely I will die surrounded by my family after a long, good life.
29:19 For I am like a tree whose roots reach the water, whose branches are refreshed with the dew.
The NLT Book of Job , Chapter 29 , Verse 19 , For I am like a tree whose roots reach the water, whose branches are refreshed with the dew.
29:20 New honors are constantly bestowed on me, and my strength is continually renewed.'
The NLT Book of Job , Chapter 29 , Verse 20 , New honors are constantly bestowed on me, and my strength is continually renewed.'
29:21 'Everyone listened to me and valued my advice. They were silent as they waited for me to speak.
The NLT Book of Job , Chapter 29 , Verse 21 , 'Everyone listened to me and valued my advice. They were silent as they waited for me to speak.
29:22 And after I spoke, they had nothing to add, for my counsel satisfied them.
The NLT Book of Job , Chapter 29 , Verse 22 , And after I spoke, they had nothing to add, for my counsel satisfied them.
29:23 They longed for me to speak as they longed for rain. They waited eagerly, for my words were as refreshing as the spring rain.
The NLT Book of Job , Chapter 29 , Verse 23 , They longed for me to speak as they longed for rain. They waited eagerly, for my words were as refreshing as the spring rain.
29:24 When they were discouraged, I smiled at them. My look of approval was precious to them.
The NLT Book of Job , Chapter 29 , Verse 24 , When they were discouraged, I smiled at them. My look of approval was precious to them.
29:25 I told them what they should do and presided over them as their chief. I lived as a king among his troops and as one who comforts those who mourn.
The NLT Book of Job , Chapter 29 , Verse 25 , I told them what they should do and presided over them as their chief. I lived as a king among his troops and as one who comforts those who mourn.
