Mischievous Men

“Why boastest thou thyself in mischief, O mighty man?   The goodness of God endureth continually” (Psalm 52:1).  “Boast not thyself of tomorrow; for thou knowest not what a day may bring forth… My son, be wise, and make My heart glad, that I may answer him that reproacheth Me” (Proverbs 27:1,11).  “If thou hast run with the footmen, and they have wearied thee, then how canst thou contend with horses?” (Jeremiah 12:5).  “And now, little children, abide in Him; that, when He shall appear, we may have confidence, and not be ashamed before Him at his coming” (1 John 2:28).

The mighty who think they are clever

And boast in the mischief they do,
Shall not be in power forever
To boast of the things they pursue. 

The goodness of God never fails;

The Lord is unceasingly kind. 
His purpose forever prevails,
Which mischievous men cannot find.

We boast not ourselves of tomorrow,

Since we do not know what it brings,
But whether it’s joy or it’s sorrow,
We boast in our great King of kings. 

Let mischievous men carry on,

Yet God will restrain their intentions,
For soon we shall see they are gone,
And God shall destroy their inventions. 

Though mischievous men may be strong

As footmen who run in a race,
We look to the Lord all day long
Who strengthens His people with grace. 

We know that the Lord will appear,

Undaunted by mischievous men.
Beholding that day drawing near,
This prospect should guide us till then.

Lord, thank You for light that we treasure

Which mischievous men can’t put out.
So teach us to live for Your pleasure  
Until You descend with a shout.