Job 29:5-15

5 The Almighty was still with me, and my children were around me.
6 My steps were awash in cream, and the rocks gushed olive oil for me.
7 “Those were the days when I went to the city gate and took my place among the honored leaders.
8 The young stepped aside when they saw me, and even the aged rose in respect at my coming.
9 The princes stood in silence and put their hands over their mouths.
10 The highest officials of the city stood quietly, holding their tongues in respect.
11 “All who heard me praised me. All who saw me spoke well of me.
12 For I assisted the poor in their need and the orphans who required help.
13 I helped those without hope, and they blessed me. And I caused the widows’ hearts to sing for joy.
14 Everything I did was honest. Righteousness covered me like a robe, and I wore justice like a turban.
15 I served as eyes for the blind and feet for the lame.

Job 29:5-15 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.

Holy Bible. New Living Translation copyright© 1996, 2004, 2007, 2013 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.