Job 29:18-25

New International Version

¹⁸ “I thought, ‘I will die in my own house,
    my days as numerous as the grains of sand.^(A)
19 My roots will reach to the water,^(B)
    and the dew will lie all night on my branches.^(C)
20 My glory will not fade;^(D)
    the bow^(E) will be ever new in my hand.’^(F)

²¹ “People listened to me expectantly,
    waiting in silence for my counsel.^(G)
22 After I had spoken, they spoke no more;^(H)
    my words fell gently on their ears.^(I)
23 They waited for me as for showers
    and drank in my words as the spring rain.^(J)
24 When I smiled at them, they scarcely believed it;
    the light of my face^(K) was precious to them.^[a](L)
25 I chose the way for them and sat as their chief;^(M)
    I dwelt as a king^(N) among his troops;
    I was like one who comforts mourners.^(O)