Job 29:7-25

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.

17I destroyed the power of wicked people. I rescued the people that they had attacked.

18At that time, I thought, “I will live to be an old man. After a long life, I will die in my own home.

19My body is strong and well, like a tree that always has plenty of water.

20People will continue to give me honour. Each day I will have new strength.”

21People waited patiently to hear to my advice. They listened carefully to what I said.

22After I had spoken, they did not say any more. They listened to every word and they thought about it.

23They would wait for me to speak to them, like people who wait for rain to fall. My words would make them happy, like rain in spring that makes a farmer happy.

24They were surprised when I smiled at them. My smile made them happy.

25As their leader, I told them what they should do. I was like a king who leads his soldiers. When they were sad, I would comfort them.’