18 Then I said, ‘I shall die in my own house,
I shall number my days as the sand. 19 My root is spread out to the waters.
The dew lies all night on my branch. 20 My glory is fresh in me.
My bow is renewed in my hand.’ 21 “Men listened to me, waited,
and kept silence for my counsel. 22 After my words they didn’t speak again.
My speech fell on them. 23 They waited for me as for the rain.
Their mouths drank as with the spring rain. 24 I smiled on them when they had no confidence.
They didn’t reject the light of my face. 25 I chose out their way, and sat as chief.
I lived as a king in the army,
as one who comforts the mourners.
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Job 29:18-25
Commentary on Job 29:18-25
(Read Job 29:18-25)
Being thus honoured and useful, Job had hoped to die in peace and honour, in a good old age. If such an expectation arise from lively faith in the providence and promise of God, it is well; but if from conceit of our own wisdom, and dependence on changeable, earthly things, it is ill grounded, and turns to sin. Every one that has the spirit of wisdom, has not the spirit of government; but Job had both. Yet he had the tenderness of a comforter. This he thought upon with pleasure, when he was himself a mourner. Our Lord Jesus is a King who hates iniquity, and upon whom the blessing of a world ready to perish comes. To Him let us give ear.