Scripture Verse

Deliver my soul, O Lord, from lying lips, and from a deceitful tongue. Psalm 120:2

Introduction

portrait
Isaac Watts (1674–1748)

Words: Is­aac Watts, The Psalms of Da­vid 1719. Com­plaint of quar­rel­some neigh­bors; or, a de­vout wish for peace.

Music: Waits’ Song Eng­lish tra­di­tion­al tune (🔊 pdf nwc).

Lyrics

Thou God of love, Thou ever blest
Pity my suffering state;
When wilt Thou set my soul at rest
From lips that love deceit?

Hard lot of mine! My days are cast
Among the sons of strife,
Whose ne­ver ceasing brawlings waste
My golden hours of life.

O might I fly to change my place
How would I choose to dwell
In some wide lonesome wilderness,
And leave these gates of hell!

Peace is the blessing that I seek,
How lovely are its charms!
I am for peace; but when I speak,
They all declare for arms.

New passions still their souls engage,
And keep their malice strong:
What shall be done to curb thy rage,
O thou devouring tongue!

Should burning arrows smite thee thro’,
Strict justice would approve;
But I had rather spare my foe,
And melt his heart with love.