1 

When I am in the natural man,

How very strong I feel I am,

I do not know, I cannot scan

      How weak I am.

 2 

When in the world I have my life,

I cannot sense my failure rife,

But boasting in my earnest strife,

      I forward press.

 3 

When I within the darkness dwell,

My shallow state I cannot tell,

I only think how I excel,

      And proudly dream.

 4 

But when at last I come to Thee,

Thy searching light uncovers me,

I see what I could never see —

      My self exposed.

 5 

I wither 'neath Thy piercing ray,

And all my strength dissolves away,

My self-esteem in dust I lay,

      And lowly bow.

 6 

How blind and foolish is the pride

With which my soul was fortified;

From my dark heart, self-satisfied,

      It issued forth.

 7 

There's not a thing that pride can claim,

There's not a member but is lame,

There's only deep regret and shame,

      How can I pray?

 8 

Thy blood from judgment saveth me,

Thy life from wrath delivers me,

How filthy yet in poverty

      I really am.

 9 

I want to pray, but faith have not,

I fain would seek Thee as Thou art.

Oh, canst Thou e'er renew my heart,

      Have mercy, Lord!