Job 29:11 says, When the ear heard me, then it blessed me; and when the eye saw me, it gave witness to me:  Still remembering, Job said there was a time when people not only heard what he said and blessed him for his wisdom and fairness in judgment, but that when they saw him, his very way of living was a witness to his righteousness.  We need to live today in such a way the our actions are consistent with our words.  In verse thirteen Job states, Because I delivered the poor that cried, and the fatherless, and him that had none to help him.  Job continued the thought that he was respected because of his concern for and helping of those less fortunate.  We need to have that same testimony today.  Job continues in verse thirteen, The blessing of him that was ready to perish came upon me: and I caused the widow’s heart to sing for joy.  I believe that Job was saying that his helping of others was not just an occasional thing, but was instead a way of life.  We today need to have that same testimony, that we are always ready to help those less fortunate than us.  In verse fourteen Job declares, I put on righteousness, and it clothed me: my judgment was as a robe and a diadem.  Job felt that he was clothed in righteousness.  I don't believe that he was speaking of self righteousness, but of being clothed in God's will and righteousness.  If we are to proclaim ourselves clothed, or wrapped up in righteousness today, it must be the righteous of God that encompasses us.  Verse fifteen says, I was eyes to the blind, and feet was I to the lame.  Job was still speaking of his help of the needy, which extended to those who were handicapped.  If God has blessed us with riches today, we should willingly help those who are less fortunate than we are.  I believe that Job was speaking about how he had lived to show that he had not been hypocritical about his relationship to God.  Verse sixteen says, I was a father to the poor: and the cause which I knew not I searched out.  Job said he not only helped those around him, but he searched for others to help.  Today we too often attempt to ignore those around us who are in need instead of hunting for even more to help.  Verse seventeen states, And I brake the jaws of the wicked, and plucked the spoil out of his teeth.  Job said that he actively fought against evil men.  If we see evil in the world today, it is not enough to simply acknowledge it.  We must actively work to root it out.  I believe that the best way to do this is by sharing the gospel with the world.  Verse eighteen says, Then I said, I shall die in my nest, and I shall multiply my days as the sand.  In this verse and those to the end of the chapter, Job declared his security and honor in life.  He was sure he would die nested in his home after a long life.  Verse nineteen states, My root was spread out by the waters, and the dew lay all night upon my branch.  He felt as strong as a tree rooted by the water.  Even if we are followers of Christ, we cannot assume that life is always going to be long and successful here on earth.  Job had been left with nothing but suffering, and it wasn't because of sin in his life, but faithfulness to God that caused it.  Verse twenty says, My glory was fresh in me, and my bow was renewed in my hand.  Then verse twenty one continues, Unto me men gave ear, and waited, and kept silence at my counsel.  Job spoke of his former glory and honor among those around him. We need to understand that if people look at us with honor or respect and listen to our council, it should be because we are living under God's leadership and are giving Him the credit, or glory.  Verse twenty two says, After my words they spake not again; and my speech dropped upon them.  Job continues in verse twenty three saying, And they waited for me as for the rain; and they opened their mouth wide as for the latter rain.
Job said that unlike his three friends who were arguing with him, that at one point his word was viewed as final and even refreshing.  Now, his condition had changed how people viewed him.  We cannot let material things determine whether or not a person is speaking the truth about God.  Verse twenty four says, If I laughed on them, they believed it not; and the light of my countenance they cast not down. Then verse twenty five concludes, I chose out their way, and sat chief, and dwelt as a king in the army, as one that comforteth the mourners.  Job had once been the final voice of authority, based a lot in the view of those around him on his success in life.  We cannot assume that just because someone is rich and famous that they are being blessed by God, nor if they are poor and suffering that they are being punished by God.  I believe that as Job was pointing out how successful he had been and that he should have made sure that he gave God the credit for his success, and that God received the glory for it.  So must we today.