That Men a godly Life Might Live

Tune: Dies sind die heil`gen zehu Gebot · Meter 8 8 8 7 4

1 That man a godly life might live, God did these ten commandments give By His true servant Moses, high Upon the mount Sinai. Have mercy, Lord.

2 I am thy God and Lord alone, No other God besides Me own; On My great mercy venture thee, With all thy heart love thou Me.

3 By idle word and speech profane Take not My holy Name in vain; And praise not aught as good and true But what God doth say and do.

4 Hallow the day which God hath blest, That thou and all thy house may rest; Keep hand and heart from labor free, That God may so work in thee.

5 Give to thy parents honor due, Be dutiful and loving too; And help them when their strength decays So shalt thou have length of days.

Words: Martin Luther (1483–1546); translated by Richard Massie (1800–1887)
Music: 1524 from Erfurt Enchiridion; setting by Michael Praetorius (1571–1621)
Scripture: Ex 20:1-17, Deut 5:6-21, 1Tim 2:5-6, Ps 60:11-12
Public domain. From the Open Hymnal Project.