The fear of God most high—
It is a holy fear;
It makes us pass through life as those
Who know their Lord is near.
The fear of sinful man—
’Tis a debasing fear,
Shame will be theirs who dare not brave
A censure or a sneer.
It was the fear of God
By which the Hebrews three
Undaunted met the tyrant’s frown—
Unmoved the flames could see.
It was the fear of man
Weak Pilate’s breast within,
That stained his hands with guiltless blood,
His soul with blackest sin.
No courage is like that
Which steadfast faith bestows;
With God our Friend, we would be safe
Were all the world our foes!
Faith but the duty sees
Where doubt would danger scan;
’Tis through the fear of God alone
We crush the fear of man.