Psalms and Hymns to the Living God ‎#12

12. Help, Lord, for Men of Virtue Fail

1 Help, LORD, for men of virtue fail,
religion loses ground!
The sons of violence prevail,
and treacheries abound.
Their oaths and promises they break,
yet act the flatt'er'r’s part;
with fair, deceitful lips they speak,
and with a double heart.

2 If we reprove some hateful lie,
they scorn our faithful word:
"Are not our lips our own," they cry,
"and who shall be our Lord?"
Scoffers appear on every side,
where a vile race of men
is raised to seats of pow'r and pride,
and bears the sword in vain.

3 Lord, when iniquities abound,
and blasphemy grows bold,
when faith is rarely to be found,
and love is waxen cold:
is not thy chariot hast'ning on!
Hast Thou not giv'n the sign?
May we not trust and live upon
a promise so divine?

4 "Yes, saith the LORD, "now will I rise,
and make th'oppressors flee;
I shall appear to their surprise,
and set My servants free."
Thy word, like silver sev'n times tried,
thro' ages shall endure:
the men that in Thy truth confide,
shall find Thy promise sure.

Text Information

• First Line: Help, LORD, for men of virtue fail
• Title: Help, Lord, for Men of Virtue Fail
• Author: Isaac Watts (1719)
• Meter: CMD
• Language: English
• Publication Date: 2023
• Scripture:
  Psalm 12
• Topic: Supplication

Tune Information

• Name: SASHA
• Composer: Joan J. Pinkston
• Meter: CMD
• Key: g minor
• Copyright: © 1997 Joan J. Pinkston