Against Scoffing and Calling Names
Words: Isaac Watts, "Divine and Moral Songs for Children"
1 Our tongues were made to bless the Lord,
And not speak ill of men:
When others give a railing word,
We must not rail again.
2 Cross words and angry names require
To be chastised at school;
And he's in danger of hell-fire
That calls his brother fool.
3 But lips that dare be so profane
To mock, and jeer, and scoff
At holy things, or holy men,
The Lord shall cut them off.
4 When children, in their wanton play,
Served old Elisha so,
And bade the prophet go his way,
"Go up, thou bald head, go!"
5 God quickly stopped their wicked breath;
And sent two raging bears,
That tore them limb from limb to death,
With blood, and groans, and tears.
6 Great God! How terrible art thou
To sinners e'er so young:
Grant me thy grace, and teach me how
To tame and rule my tongue.
