1. Job said:
2. I long for the past,when God took care of me,
3. and the light from his lampshowed me the waythrough the dark.
4. I was in the prime of life,God All-Powerfulwas my closest friend,
5. and all my childrenwere nearby.
6. My herds gave enough milkto bathe my feet,and from my olive harvestflowed rivers of oil.
7-8. When I sat down at the meetingof the city council,the young leaders stepped aside,while the older ones stood
9-10. and remained silent.
11. Everyone was pleasedwith what I said and did.
12. When poor people or orphanscried out for help,I came to their rescue.
13. And I was highly praisedfor my generosity to widowsand others in poverty.
14. Kindness and justicewere my coat and hat;
15. I was good to the blindand to the lame.
16. I was a father to the needy,and I defended them in court,even if they were strangers.
17. When criminals attacked,I broke their teethand set their victims free.
18. I felt certain that I would livea long and happy life,then die in my own bed.
19. In those days I was stronglike a tree with deep rootsand with plenty of water,
20. or like an archer's new bow.
21. Everyone listened in silenceto my welcome advice,
22. and when I finished speaking,nothing needed to be said.
23. My words were eagerly acceptedlike the showers of spring,
24. and the smile on my facerenewed everyone's hopes.
25. My advice was followedas though I were a kingleading my troops,or someone comfortingthose in sorrow.