Christian Standard Bible | Holman Christian Standard Bible |
1Job continued his discourse, saying: | 1Job continued his discourse, saying: |
2If only I could be as in months gone by, in the days when God watched over me, | 2If only I could be as in months gone by, in the days when God watched over me, |
3when his lamp shone above my head, and I walked through darkness by his light! | 3when His lamp shone above my head, and I walked through darkness by His light! |
4I would be as I was in the days of my youth when God's friendship rested on my tent, | 4I would be as I was in the days of my youth when God's friendship rested on my tent, |
5when the Almighty was still with me and my children were around me, | 5when the Almighty was still with me and my children were around me, |
6when my feet were bathed in curds and the rock poured out streams of oil for me! | 6when my feet were bathed in cream and the rock poured out streams of oil for me! |
7When I went out to the city gate and took my seat in the town square, | 7When I went out to the city gate and took my seat in the town square, |
8the young men saw me and withdrew, while older men stood to their feet. | 8the young men saw me and withdrew, while older men stood to their feet. |
9City officials stopped talking and covered their mouths with their hands. | 9City officials stopped talking and covered their mouths with their hands. |
10The noblemen's voices were hushed, and their tongues stuck to the roof of their mouths. | 10The noblemen's voices were hushed, and their tongues stuck to the roof of their mouths. |
11When they heard me, they blessed me, and when they saw me, they spoke well of me. | 11When they heard me, they blessed me, and when they saw me, they spoke well of me. |
12For I rescued the poor who cried out for help, and the fatherless child who had no one to support him. | 12For I rescued the poor man who cried out for help, and the fatherless child who had no one to support him. |
13The dying blessed me, and I made the widow's heart rejoice. | 13The dying man blessed me, and I made the widow's heart rejoice. |
14I clothed myself in righteousness, and it enveloped me; my just decisions were like a robe and a turban. | 14I clothed myself in righteousness, and it enveloped me; my just decisions were like a robe and a turban. |
15I was eyes to the blind and feet to the lame. | 15I was eyes to the blind and feet to the lame. |
16I was a father to the needy, and I examined the case of the stranger. | 16I was a father to the needy, and I examined the case of the stranger. |
17I shattered the fangs of the unjust and snatched the prey from his teeth. | 17I shattered the fangs of the unjust and snatched the prey from his teeth. |
18So I thought, "I will die in my own nest and multiply my days as the sand. | 18So I thought: I will die in my own nest and multiply my days as the sand. |
19My roots will have access to water, and the dew will rest on my branches all night. | 19My roots will have access to water, and the dew will rest on my branches all night. |
20My whole being will be refreshed within me, and my bow will be renewed in my hand." | 20My strength will be refreshed within me, and my bow will be renewed in my hand. |
21Men listened to me with expectation, waiting silently for my advice. | 21Men listened to me with expectation, waiting silently for my advice. |
22After a word from me they did not speak again; my speech settled on them like dew. | 22After a word from me they did not speak again; my speech settled on them like dew. |
23They waited for me as for the rain and opened their mouths as for spring showers. | 23They waited for me as for the rain and opened their mouths as for spring showers. |
24If I smiled at them, they couldn't believe it; they were thrilled at the light of my countenance. | 24If I smiled at them, they couldn't believe it; they were thrilled at the light of my countenance. |
25I directed their course and presided as chief. I lived as a king among his troops, like one who comforts those who mourn. | 25I directed their course and presided as chief. I lived as a king among his troops, like one who comforts those who mourn. |
|