Judge Gently

Pray, don't find fault with the man that limps

Or stumbles along the road.

Unless you have worn the shoes he wears

Or struggled beneath his load.

There may be tacks in his shoes that hurt

Though hidden away from view.

Or the burden he bears placed on your back

Might cause you to stumble too.

Don't sneer at the man who's down today

Unless you have felt the blow

That caused his fall or felt the shame

That only the fallen know.

You may be strong but still the blow

That was his if dealt to you

In the selfsame way, at the selfsame time

Might cause you to stagger too.

Don't be too harsh with the man that sins

Or pelt him with word or stone

Unless you are sure - yea, doubly sure -

That you have no sins of your own.

For you know, perhaps,

If the tempter's voice should whisper as soft to you

As it did to him when he went astray

It might cause you to falter too.