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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 lit up the way before me
and I walked safely through the darkness.
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When I was in my prime,
God’s friendship 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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My cows produced milk in abundance,
and my 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 me praised me.
All who saw me spoke well of me.
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For I assisted the poor in their need
and the orphans who required help.
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I helped those without hope, and they blessed me.
And I caused the widows’ hearts to sing for joy.
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Everything I did was 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 assisted strangers who needed help.
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I broke the jaws of godless oppressors
and plucked their victims from their teeth.
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“I thought, ‘Surely I will die surrounded by my family
after a long, good life. 1
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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 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 people long for rain.
They drank my words like a refreshing 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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Like a chief, I told them what to do.
I lived like a king among his troops
and comforted those who mourned.