Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal. And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing. And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, and have not charity, it profiteth me nothing.
1 Corinthians 13:1–3
Words: Susan H. Peterson, 1998 (public domain).
Music: Erie Charles C. Converse, 1868 (🔊 pdf nwc).
Though I speak in every language,
Prophesy for God above,
Though I understand all mysteries,
I am nothing without love.
Though through faith I can move mountains,
Give the poor all that I gain,
Though I’m burned alive for Jesus,
Without love, my life is vain.
Love is patient, kind, and selfless,
Envies not, nor boasts in pride,
Is not rude or quickly angered,
Never holds a grudge inside.
Love does not delight in evil,
But with truth rejoices e’er;
Trusts, protects, and hopes forever,
Perseveres and always cares.
One day prophecies will finish;
Tongues will in that day be stilled;
Knowledge, too, will pass forever,
When God’s Word is all fulfilled.
Now we only know a fraction,
And as children think and speak;
When perfection comes upon us,
Childish ways no more we’ll seek.
Now we see as in a mirror,
In a blurred and hazy way.
But reflections soon will vanish;
Face to face we’ll see some day.
In that day we’ll all know fully,
As we’re known by God above;
Till then, faith, hope, love still linger,
But the greatest far is love.