Keep Silence, All Ye Sons of Men

Verse 1

Keep silence, all ye sons of men, and hear with rev’rence due; eternal Wisdom from above thus lifts her voice to you:

Verse 2

I was th’ Almighty’s chief delight from everlasting days, ere yet his arm was stretched forth the heav’ns and earth to raise.

Verse 3

Before the sea began to flow, and leave the solid land, before the hills and mountains rose, I dwelt at his right hand.

Verse 4

When first he reared the arch of heav’n, and spread the clouds on air, when first the fountains of the deep he open'd, I was there.

Verse 5

There I was with him, when he stretch'd his compass o’er the deep, and charg'd the ocean’s swelling waves within their bounds to keep.

Verse 6

With joy I saw th’ abode prepar'd which men were soon to fill: them from the first of days I lov'd, unchang'd, I love them still.

Verse 7

Now therefore hearken to my words, ye children, and be wise: happy the man that keeps my ways; the man that shuns them dies.

Verse 8

Where dubious paths perplex the mind, direction I afford; life shall be his that follows me and favour from the Lord.

Verse 9

But he who scorns my sacred laws shall deeply wound his heart, he courts destruction who contemns the counsel I impart.