Evangelical Lutheran Hymn-book ‎#165

165. The mouth of fools doth God confess

1 THE mouth of fools doth God confess,
But while their lips draw nigh Him,
Their heart is full of wickedness,
And all their deeds deny Him.
Corrupt are they, and every one
Abominable deeds hath done;
There is not one well-doer.

2 The Lord looked from His heavenly throne
On all mankind below Him,
To see if there were any one
Who truly sought to know Him;
Who all his understanding bent
To search His holy Word, intent
To do His will in earnest.

3 But none there was who walked with God
For all aside had slidden,
Delusive paths of folly trod,
And followed lusts forbidden;
Not one there was who practiced good,
Yet many deemed, in haughty mood,
Their deeds to God were pleasing.

4 How long, by folly blindly led,
Will they oppress the needy,
And eat my people up like bread?
So fierce are they and greedy!
In God they put no trust at all,
Nor will on Him in trouble call,
But be their own providers.

5 Therefore their heart is never still,
A constant fear dismays them;
God is with him who doth His will,
Who trusts Him and obeys Him;
Ye shame the counsel of the poor,
And mock him when he doth assure
That God is e'er his refuge.

6 Who shall to Israel’s outcast race
From Zion bring salvation?
God will Himself at length show grace
And loose the captive nation;
That will He do by Christ their King;
Let Jacob then be glad and sing,
And Israel be joyful.

Text Information

• First Line: The mouth of fools doth God confess
• Meter: Iambic 8, 7
• Language: English
• Publication Date: 1893
• Topic: The Word and the Church: Protection of
• Notes: R. Massie, Tr. a.; German: Es spricht der Unweisen Mund wohl - Dr. M. Luther, 1524

Tune Information

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