Book - Job - Chapter = 29 --> NLT
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Job continued speaking:
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"I long for the years gone by when God took care of me,
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when he lighted the way before me and I walked safely through the darkness.
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In my early years, the friendship of God was felt in my home.
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The Almighty was still with me, and my children were around me.
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In those days my cows produced milk in abundance, and my olive groves poured out streams of olive oil.
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"Those were the days when I went to the city gate and took my place among the honored leaders.
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The young stepped aside when they saw me, and even the aged rose in respect at my coming.
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The princes stood in silence and put their hands over their mouths.
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The highest officials of the city stood quietly, holding their tongues in respect.
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"All who heard of me praised me. All who saw me spoke well of me.
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For I helped the poor in their need and the orphans who had no one to help them.
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I helped those who had lost hope, and they blessed me. And I caused the widows' hearts to sing for joy.
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All I did was just and honest. Righteousness covered me like a robe, and I wore justice like a turban.
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I served as eyes for the blind and feet for the lame.
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I was a father to the poor and made sure that even strangers received a fair trial.
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I broke the jaws of godless oppressors and made them release their victims.
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"I thought, `Surely I will die surrounded by my family after a long, good life.
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For I am like a tree whose roots reach the water, whose branches are refreshed with the dew.
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New honors are constantly bestowed on me, and my strength is continually renewed.'
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"Everyone listened to me and valued my advice. They were silent as they waited for me to speak.
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And after I spoke, they had nothing to add, for my counsel satisfied them.
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They longed for me to speak as they longed for rain. They waited eagerly, for my words were as refreshing as the spring rain.
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When they were discouraged, I smiled at them. My look of approval was precious to them.
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I told them what they should do and presided over them as their chief. I lived as a king among his troops and as one who comforts those who mourn.