1. Brethren, what man among us is great?
What man shall be counted wise?
Is it the man with the swaggering gait
Who's mighty in his own eyes?
Is it the man with many degrees,
With wisdom and honors conferred,
Who understands so well God's decrees
That he need not obey every word?
2. Is it the one who commands fifty men,
Who's heeded whenever he yells?
Who advances at others' expense,
Who's above them because he excels?
Is it the man who gains the whole world,
Choosing riches above a good name?
Who seeks them not with intent to do good,
But for pleasure and glory and fame?
3. Or is it he who seeks first to submit
To the will and the pleasure of God?
Who tries to do whate'er God sees fit,
And never lets go the iron rod?
Filled with the truth as he grows grace for grace,
Growing strong in his humility,
The countenance of Mary's babe in his face
Signifying what he strives to be?
4. Seek first for God's kingdom in all that you do;
Show faith in the way that you live.
All of these things will be added to you,
For they are the Father's to give.
If you will be great in the kingdom of heaven,
You need not pass through needles' eyes.
The servant of all is a joint heir with Christ;
Of all men he is counted most wise.
