Classic Poem

There's a path by no bird ever known,
By the eye of the eagle unseen,
Where the mightiest beast never trod,
And where never the lion hath been.

It is wisdom — and where is it found?
Understanding — and where is its place?
For no man ever rated its worth,
And no children of earth see its face.

Saith the depth, " It is not found in me."
" Nor with me," saith the sea, " is it known.
Nay. It cannot be gotten for gold,
And no silver can make it our own.

Then O where can be wisdom's abode?
Where abides understanding, O where,
Since they keep from the eyesight of men,
And are hidden from fowls of the air?

As for death and the grave, they reply,
" Of its name we have heard the bare sound."
But with Thee, Lord, are known all its ways,
Thou canst show us where wisdom is found.

And Thy call unto men is, " With me
Understanding and wisdom begin;"
For that wisdom's the fear of the Lord,
Understanding, the leaving of sin.

It is here understanding is found,
The true wisdom Thy children should find,
Where we seek Thee for light to the soul,
Where we ask for Thy truth to our mind.

Do Thou bless, Lord, our waitings on Thee,
Do Thou meet us, O Lord, at Thy door,
Ever show us to walk in Thy ways,
Ever teach us Thy heavenly lore.