Job 29:4-16

4I was strong and well. God was my friend and he protected my home.

5At that time, Almighty God was still with me. My children were near me.

6I got plenty of milk from my cows, so that my life was easy. My olive trees gave me lots of oil.

7I would go to the gate of the city, and sit there as one of the leaders.

8When young men saw me, they would move to the side. Even the old men would stand up to respect me.

9The city's rulers would stop speaking. They would cover their mouths with their hands.

10The important leaders would be quiet. They would not want to say anything.

11Everyone was very pleased to listen to the things that I said. They respected me when they saw the things that I did.

12When poor people cried for help, I rescued them. I helped children who had no family that could help them.

13People who were near to death praised me for my help. Widows were happy when I helped them.

14I always did what was right, like good clothes that I wore. I was fair and honest, like my coat and my hat.

15If people were blind, I would be their guide. If people could not walk, I would fetch things for them.

16If poor people needed help, I helped them like their father would do. I spoke on behalf of strangers to help them get justice.