24 If I laughed on them, they believed it not; and the light of my countenance they cast not down.
24 When I smiled at them, they scarcely believed it; the light of my face was precious to them.
24 I smiled on them when they had no confidence, and the light of my face they did not cast down.
24 When I smiled at them, they could hardly believe it; their faces lit up, their troubles took wing!
24 If I mocked at them, they did not believe it, And the light of my countenance they did not cast down.
24 When they were discouraged, I smiled at them. My look of approval was precious to them.
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Job 29:24
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.