The Psalms and Hymns of Isaac Watts ‎#Ps.157

Ps.157. Psalm 73 Part 1

Now I'm convinced the Lord is kind
To men of heart sincere;
Yet once my foolish thoughts repined,
And bordered on despair.

I grieved to see the wicked thrive,
And spoke with angry breath,
"How pleasant and profane they live!
How peaceful is their death!

"With well-fed flesh and haughty eyes,
They lay their fears to sleep;
Against the heav'ns their slanders rise,
While saints in silence weep.

"In vain I lift my hands to pray,
And cleanse my heart in vain;
For I am chastened all the day,
The night renews my pain."

Yet while my tongue indulged complaints,
I felt my heart reprove,-
"Sure I shall thus offend thy saints,
And grieve the men I love."

But still I found my doubts too hard,
The conflict too severe,
Till I retired to search thy word,
And learn thy secrets there.

There, as in some prophetic glass,
I saw the sinner's feet
High mounted on a slipp'ry place,
Beside a fiery pit.

I heard the wretch profanely boast,
Till at thy frown he fell;
His honors in a dream were lost,
And he awakes in hell.

Lord, what an envious fool I was!
How like a thoughtless beast!
Thus to suspect thy promised grace,
And think the wicked blest.

Yet I was kept from full despair,
Upheld by power unknown;
That blessed hand that broke the snare
Shall guide me to thy throne.

Text Information

• First Line: Now I'm convinced the Lord is kind
• Title: Psalm 73 Part 1
• Author: Isaac Watts
• Meter: C. M.
• Language: English
• Publication Date: 1806
• Scripture:
  Psalm 73
• Topic: Delight: in God; Prosperous sinners cursed; Prosperity: dangerous; Afflicted: saints happy; God: our portion here and hereafter; Providence: its mystery unfolded
• Notes: Public Domain.

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