Hymns

Fools in their heart believe and say

by Isaac Watts·1719·Meter 8.6.8.6 (CM)

Based on Ps 14

1

Fools in their heart believe and say
"That all religion's vain;
There is no God that reigns on high,
Or minds th' affairs of men."

2

From thoughts so dreadful and profane,
Corrupt discourse proceeds;
And in their impious hands are found
Abominable deeds.

3

The Lord from his celestial throne
Looked down on things below,
To find the man that sought his grace,
Or did his justice know.

4

By nature all are gone astray,
Their practice all the same;
There's none that fears his Maker's hand;
There's none that loves his name.

5

Their tongues are used to speak deceit,
Their slanders never cease;
How swift to mischief are their feet,
Nor know the paths of peace!

6

Such seeds of sin (that bitter root)
In every heart are found;
Nor can they bear diviner fruit,
Till grace refine the ground.

AtheismPersecutorsPractical atheismSinWickedness