1 Job said:

2 I long for the past,

when God took care of me,

3 and the light from his lamp

showed me the way

through the dark.

4 I was in the prime of life,

God All-Powerful

was my closest friend,

5 and all of my children

were nearby.

6 My herds gave enough milk

to bathe my feet,

and from my olive harvest

flowed rivers of oil.

* 7 When I sat down at the meeting

of the city council,

8 the young leaders stepped aside,

* 9 while the older ones stood

10 and remained silent.

11 Everyone was pleased

with what I said and did.

12 When poor people or orphans

cried out for help,

I came to their rescue.

13 And I was highly praised

for my generosity to widows

and others in poverty.

14 Kindness and justice

were my coat and hat;

15 I was helpful to the blind

and 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 teeth

and set their victims free.

18 I felt certain that I would live

a long and happy life,

then die in my own bed.

19 In those days I was strong

like a tree with deep roots

and with plenty of water,

20 or like an archer's new bow.

21 Everyone listened in silence

to my welcome advice,

22 and when I finished speaking,

nothing needed to be said.

23 My words were eagerly accepted

like the showers of spring,

24 and the smile on my face

renewed everyone's hopes.

25 My advice was followed

as though I were a king

leading my troops,

or someone comforting

those in sorrow.