We can’t afford to win the gain that means another’s loss;
We can’t afford to miss the crown by stumbling at the cross.
We can’t afford the heedless jest that robs us of a friend;
We can’t afford the laugh that finds in bitter tears an end.
We can’t afford the feast today that brings tomorrow’s fast;
We can’t afford the race that comes to tragedy at last.
We can’t afford to play with fire, or tempt a serpent’s bite;
We can’t afford to think that sin brings any true delight.
We can’t afford with serious heed to treat the cynic’s sneer;
We can’t afford to wise men’s words to turn a careless ear.
We can’t afford for hate to give like hatred in return;
We can’t afford to feed a flame and make it fiercer burn.
We can’t afford to lose the soul for this world’s fleeting breath;
We can’t afford to barter life in mad exchange for death.
But blind to good are we apart from THEE, all-seeing Lord;
Oh, grant us light that we may know the things we can’t afford!
