Let Each Man Learn to Know Himself

Hymns, 91


1. Let each man learn to know himself; To gain that knowledge let him labor, Improve those failings in himself Which he condemns so in his neighbor. How lenient our own faults we view, And conscience’ voice adeptly smother, Yet, oh, how harshly we review The selfsame failings in another!

Let each man learn to know himself; To gain that knowledge let him labor, Improve those failings in himself, Which he condemns so in his neighbor.

2. And if you meet an erring one Whose deeds are blamable and thoughtless, Consider, ere you cast the stone, If you yourself are pure and faultless. Oh, list to that small voice within, Whose whisperings oft make men confounded, And trumpet not another’s sin; You’d blush deep if your own were sounded.

Let each man learn to know himself; To gain that knowledge let him labor, Improve those failings in himself, Which he condemns so in his neighbor.

3. And in self judgment if you find Your deeds to others’ are superior, To you has Providence been kind, As you should be to those inferior. Example sheds a genial ray Of light which men are apt to borrow, So first improve yourself today And then improve your friends tomorrow.

Let each man learn to know himself; To gain that knowledge let him labor, Improve those failings in himself, Which he condemns so in his neighbor.