Job 29:18-25

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.

Job 29:18-25 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.