LYRICS
| Meter: | 8 8 8 8 8 8
| | Writer(s): | Nicholas Brady & Nahum Tate
| | Transl/Adapt: |
| | Dates: | 1821
| | Bible Refs: | Ps 37:12-20
| A New Version of the Psalms of David
| 1821
| 37
|
| 1. While sinful crowds, with false design,
against the righteous few combine,
And gnash their teeth and threat'ning stand;
God shall their empty plots deride,
and laugh at their defeated pride;
He sees their ruin near at hand.
2. They draw the sword, and bend the bow,
the poor and needy to o'erthrow,
And men of upright lives to slay;
But their strong bows shall soon be broke,
their sharpened weapon's mortal stroke
Through their own hearts shall force its way.
3. A little, with God's favor blessed,
that's by one righteous man possessed,
The wealth of many bad excels:
For God supports the just man's cause,
but as for those that break his laws,
Their unsuccessful pow'r he quells.
4. His constant care the upright guides,
and over all their life presides;
Their portion shall for ever last:
They, when distress o'erwhelms the earth,
shall be unmoved, and e'en in dearth
The happy fruits of plenty taste.
5. Not so the wicked men, and those
who proudly dare God's will oppose;
Destruction is their hapless share:
Like fat of lambs, their hopes and they
shall in an instant melt away,
And vanish into smoke and air.
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