Examine the Ends

"I have seen the wicked in great power, and spreading himself like a green bay tree. Yet he passed away, and lo, he was not. Yea, I sought him, but he could not be found. Mark the perfect man, and behold the upright: for the end of that man is peace" (Psalm 37:35-37). "The path of the just is as the shining light, that shineth more and more unto the perfect day. The way of the wicked is as darkness: they know not at what they stumble" (Proverbs 4:18,19).

Across the ages we can see
The wicked come to power.
They spread out like a green bay tree;
They sweep down like a shower.

And yet they did not come to stay;
We looked and they were gone.
By God's decree they passed away,
As night gives way to dawn.

Across the ages we can see
God's servants give their lives.
The blessing of their memory
By God's decree survives.

Mark these paths, then, very well.
Examining their ends:
The wicked shall be turned to hell;
The upright God commends.