The False Tongue

Verse 1

I cried to God in my distress, And by the Lord my prayer was heard; O save me, Lord, from lying lips And from the false, deceitful word.

Verse 2

What woe for falsehood can atone, Or punish the deceitful tongue, The tongue whose speech consumes like fire, Whose words like deadly shafts are flung?

Verse 3

Alas for me, whose lot is cast With those who find their joy in strife! With those who hate the paths of peace I long have dwelt and spent my life.

Verse 4

In thought and act I am for peace, Peace I pursue and ever seek; But those about me are for strife, Though I in love and kindness speak.