by Paul Bright
The following is a modified and expanded version of Isaac Watt’s Behold, How Sinners Disagree, which was composed for the purpose of discipling our hearts into humility and grace.
Behold! How sinners disagree The Publican and Pharisee One does his righteousness proclaim. The other owns his guilt and shame. This one brazen rises near the throne, Standing proud, sure, and alone He thanks God to accuse the rest, And vaunts the duties he did best That one in humble posture stands Pierced by holy, divine commands Liable, he cries out in contrition, And smites the chest in confession. The Lord their different language knows And different answers He bestows. The humble soul He with mercy crowns Whilst on the proud His anger frowns. Dear Father! Let me never be Joined with boasting Pharisee; Scorn not the crimes of other men nor from unjust lips my deeds defend. With fear of God let me quake And my offenses propitiate! I have no merits of mine own But plead the substitution of the Son! And I go home by price blood-bought Justly forgiven and faithfully washed From the Advocate exalted on high Who humbled Himself once-for-all to die. Praise to the Father! Praise to the Son! Praise to the Spirit! The Three-in-One! O Praise all the heavens! Esteem Him Again! Praise, O My Whole Soul. Forever and amen!
Paul Bright also contributed the blog “Swamp Fire: A Reflection” which was published on January 24, 2024.
Paul Bright currently works in the field of Biotechnology. He is a native of Evansville, IN, and an alumnus of Purdue University and The Master’s Seminary. Paul was a Systematic Theology and Ancient Hebrew professor in Samara, Russia. He and his wife, Jennifer, homeschooled their daughter all the way through high school and currently reside in Covington, Louisiana.