Author: Isaac Watts Hymnal: Psalms and Hymns of Isaac Watts, The #Ps.86 (1806) Meter: 8.6.8.6 Scripture: Psalm 37:1-15 First Line: Why should I vex my soul, and fret Lyrics:
Why should I vex my soul, and fret
To see the wicked rise?
Or envy sinners waxing great
By violence and lies?
As flowery grass, cut down at noon,
Before the ev'ning fades,
So shall their glories vanish soon
In everlasting shades.
Then let me make the Lord my trust,
And practise all that's good;
So shall I dwell among the just,
And he'll provide me food.
I to my God my ways commit,
And cheerful wait his will;
Thy hand, which guides my doubtful feet,
Shall my desires fulfil.
Mine innocence shalt thou display,
And make thy judgments known,
Fair as the light of dawning day,
And glorious as the noon.
The meek at last the earth possess,
And are the heirs of heav'n;
True riches, with abundant peace,
To humble souls are giv'n.
Rest in the Lord, and keep his way,
Nor let your anger rise,
Though Providence should long delay
To punish haughty vice.
Let sinners join to break your peace,
And plot, and rage, and foam;
The Lord derides them, for he sees
Their day of vengeance come.
They have drawn out the threat'ning sword,
Have bent the murd'rous bow,
To slay the men that fear the Lord,
And bring the righteous low.
My God shall break their bows, and burn
Their persecuting darts,
Shall their own swords against them turn,
And pain surprise their hearts.
Topics: End of the righteous and wicked; Punishment of sinners; Saints and sinner's end; Sinner and saint's portion; Portion of saints and sinners; Poor charity to them; Death of saints and sinners; Reproach removed; Prayer and faith of persecuted saints; Charity to the poor; Envy and unbelief cured; Fretfulness discouraged; Patience under persecutions; Prosperous sinners cursed; Religion in words and deeds; Saints patience and world's hatred; Sinner hatred and saint's patience; Unbelief and envy cured; World's hatred and saint's patience Languages: English
Psalm 37 Part 1