DO NOT JUDGE

(Writer Unknown)

*

Pray don't find fault with the man who 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 same

That only the fallen know.

You may be strong, but still the blows

That were his, if dealt to you,

In the self-same way at the self-same time

Might cause you to stagger, too.

*

Don't be too harsh with the man who sins,

Or pelt him with words or stones,

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,

'Twould cause you to falter, too.