Theodore Brown Hewitt · 191 of 194
Lutheran Hymnary, #455: Blessed is the man that never
Blessed is the man that never Doth in godless counsel meet; Nor in sinners' way stands ever, Nor sits in the scorner's seat, But on God's all-perfect law Meditates with holy awe; Day and night he delves for treasure In the word--'tis all his pleasure.
As a tree that has been planted By the flowing waters fair, In its season e'er is granted Fruits and foliage to bear, So is he, the righteous, seen Ever fruitful, ever green, And his leaf shall wither never, All he does shall prosper ever.
To the wicked 'tis not given Such a happy lot to share; As the chaff by wind is driven So shall the ungodly fare; They in judgment shall not stand, Nor be in the righteous band: These the Lord forsaketh never, Those thall be cast off forever.
For the Lord His people knoweth, His pure eyes behold their way, And the blessing He bestoweth Is their heritage for aye: But the wicked ever tend To their doom and to their end: God will all the righteous cherish, But the wicked ones shall perish.
P. Gerhardt, 1553
M. B. Landstad, 1861
C. Doving, 1906
Lutheran Hymnary, #455