Paul Gerhardt's Spiritual Songs ‎#29

29. The First Psalm of David

Bless’d is he who never taketh
Counsel of ungodly men!
Bless’d, the right who ne’er forsaketh,
Nor in sinners’ paths is seen,
Who the scorners’ friendship spurns,
From their seats away who turns,
Who delight in God’s word taketh,
This his meditation maketh.

Bless’d is he who pleasure taketh
In God’s laws’ most perfect way,
It is his lov’d resort who maketh
Where he lingers night and day!
Oh! His blessing blooms and grows,
As the palm where water flows,
And abroad its branches spreadeth,
And the wayworn pilgrim shadeth.

He will truly ever flourish
Who God’s word delights to do,
Air and earth alike will nourish
Him, till ripe his fruit shall grow.
Though his leaf grow old, yet he
Ever fresh and green shall be,
God success to his endeavour
Giveth, and it prospers ever.

But he who in sin’s ways goeth
Is like chaff the wind before,
When it riseth up and bloweth,
And we find it here no more.
Where the Lord His people guide,
There the godless ne’er abide,
God the faithful loves and guideth,
On the wicked wrath abideth.

Text Information

• First Line: Bless'd is he who never taketh
• Title: The First Psalm of David
• German Title: Wol dern Menschen, der nicht wandelt
• Author: Paul Gerhardt
• Translator: John Kelly (1867)
• Meter: 8,7,8,7,7,7,8,8
• Language: English
• Publication Date: 1867

Tune Information

(No tune information)