Happy is the man that findeth wisdom, and the man that getteth understanding, for the merchandise of it is better than the merchandise of silver, and the gain thereof than fine gold.
Proverbs 3:13–14
Words: Attributed to Michael Bruce (1746–1767) in Scottish Paraphrases, 1781.
Music: St. Peter (Reinagle) Alexander R. Reinagle, 1836 (🔊 pdf nwc).
If you know where to get a good picture of Bruce (head & shoulders, at least 200×300 pixels),
O happy is the man who hears
Instruction’s warning voice;
And who celestial wisdom makes
His early, only choice.
For she has treasures greater far
Than east or west unfold;
And her reward is more secure
Than is the gain of gold.
In her right hand she holds to view
A length of happy years;
And in her left, the prize of fame
And honor bright appears.
She guides the young with innocence,
In pleasure’s paths to tread,
A crown of glory she bestows
Upon the hoary head.
According as her labors rise,
So her rewards increase;
Her ways are ways of pleasantness,
And all her paths are peace.