Job 29:4-16

4As I was in the prime of my days, When the friendship and counsel of God were over my tent,

5When the Almighty was still with me And my boys were around me,

6When my steps [through rich pastures] were washed with butter and cream [from my livestock], And the rock poured out for me streams of oil [from my olive groves].

7When I went out to the gate of the city, When I took my seat [as a city father] in the square,

8The young men saw me and hid themselves, The aged arose and stood [respectfully];

9The princes stopped talking And put their hands on their mouths;

10The voices of the nobles were hushed, And their tongues stuck to the roof of their mouths.

11For when an ear heard [my name mentioned], it called me happy and fortunate; And when an eye saw [me], it testified for me [approvingly],

12Because I rescued the poor who cried for help, And the orphan who had no helper.

13The blessing of him who was about to perish came upon me, And I made the widow’s heart sing for joy.

14I put on righteousness, and it clothed me; My justice was like a robe and a turban!

15I was eyes to the blind And I was feet to the lame.

16I was a father to the needy; I investigated the case I did not know [and assured justice].