Job 29:16-25

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.'
21 "People wanted to hear what I had to say. They waited silently for the advice I gave them.
22 After I had spoken, they didn't speak anymore. My words fell gently on their ears.
23 They waited for me just as they would wait for showers. They drank my words just as they would drink the spring rain.
24 When I smiled at them, they could hardly believe it. The light of my face lifted their spirits.
25 I chose the way they should go. I sat as their chief. I lived as a king lives among his troops. I was like someone who comforts those who are sad.
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