Isaac Watts · 160 of 724

The Psalms of David · Psalm 73

Sure there's a righteous God, Nor is religion vain; Though men of vice may boast aloud, And men of grace complain.

I saw the wicked rise, And felt my heart repine, While haughty fools with scornful eyes In robes of honor shine.

[Pampered with wanton ease, Their flesh looks full and fair; Their wealth rolls in like flowing seas, And grows without their care.

Free from the plagues and pains That pious souls endure; Through all their life oppression reigns, And racks the humble poor.

Their impious tongues blaspheme The everlasting God; Their malice blasts the good man's name, And spreads their lies abroad.

But I with flowing tears Indulged my doubts to rise; "Is there a God that sees or hears The things below the skies?"]

The tumults of my thought Held me in hard suspense, Till to thy house my feet were brought, To learn thy justice thence.

Thy word with light and power Did my mistake amend; I viewed the sinners' life before, But here I learnt their end.

On what a slipp'ry steep The thoughtless wretches go; And O that dreadful fiery deep That waits their fall below!

Lord, at thy feet I bow, My thoughts no more repine; I call my God my portion now, And all my powers are thine.