How greatly blest the man, whose ear

1 How greatly bless'd the man, whose ear
The sinner's council shuns to hear;
And where the sons of folly stray,
Declines his studious steps the way.

2 Nor frantic mirth he deigns to share,
Nor sits he in the scorner's chair;
His heart, possess'd with sacred awe,
Daily revolves God's holy law.

3 Like a fair tree, that, taught to grow
Where living streams of water flow,
His fruitful branch he rears on high,
Nor fears a sickening autumn nigh.

4 What'er his ready thoughts devise,
He, joyful, to the work applies;
Still sure to find the wish'd success
Repay his hope, his labour bless.

Source: A Collection of Psalms and Hymns for Publick Worship #CXXVIII