Job 29:10-20

10 The voices of the nobles became quiet. Their tongues stuck to the roofs of their mouths.
11 Everyone who heard me said good things about me. Those who saw me honored me.
12 That's because I saved poor people who cried out for help. I saved helpless children whose fathers had died.
13 Those who were dying gave me their blessing. I made the hearts of widows sing.
14 I put on a godly life as if it were my clothes. Fairness was my robe and my turban.
15 I was like eyes for those who were blind. I was like feet for those who couldn't walk.
16 I was like a father to needy people. I stood up for strangers in court.
17 Sinners are like animals that have powerful teeth. But I took from their mouths the people they had caught.
18 "I thought, 'I'll die in my own house. The days of my life will be as many as the grains of sand.
19 My roots will reach down to the water. The dew will lie all night on my branches.
20 I will remain healthy and strong. My bow will stay as good as new in my hand.'

Job 29:10-20 Meaning and Commentary

INTRODUCTION TO JOB 29

In this chapter Job gives an account of his former and wishes it was with him now as then; and which he describes with respect to his own person, and the favours he personally enjoyed, whether temporal or spiritual, Job 29:1-4; with respect to his family and domestic affairs, Job 29:5,6; with regard to the esteem he had from men of every age and station, Job 29:7-11; the reasons of which were the mercy and compassion he showed to the poor, the fatherless, and the widow, and the justice he administered in the execution of his office as a magistrate, Job 29:12-17; in which honour and prosperity he expected to have lived and died, Job 29:18-20; and which he further describes by the respect he had among men, and the power and authority he exercised over them, Job 29:21-25.

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