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In vain the wealthy mortals toil The rich sinner dying, Psalm 49. 6 9. Eccl. 8. 8. Job 3. 14 15
Isaac Watts printed it in 1707 in Hymns and Spiritual Songs, Book I, no. 24, under Psalm 49:6, 9.
WRITTEN BY
Isaac Watts 1674–1748
PRINTED
1707 Hymns and Spiritual Songs · no. 24
METRE
Long Metre 8.8.8.8 · 4 stanzas
WRITTEN ON
Psalm 49:6, 9 the verse printed above it
The hymn, and the Scripture in it
All 4 stanzas as Watts printed them, with the verses their lines echo beside them. Point at a line to join it to its verse; click to read the passage.
SHARED WORDSthe verse shares the line's wording ECHOproposed by an AI model, confirmed by a separate check Not the author's own notes
Where Watts found it
Watts printed the hymn under Psalm 49:6, 9. The line that comes closest to it is marked.
6They trust in their wealth and boast in their great riches. 9that he should live on forever and not see decay. PSALM 49:6, 9 · BEREAN STANDARD BIBLE READ PSALM 49
In vain the wealthy mortals toil, And heap their shining dust in vain, Look down and scorn the humble poor, And boast their lofty hills of gain. STANZA I
Its place in the book
Book I of the hymn book, “Collected from the Holy Scriptures”, holds these hymns in this order: 179 hymns. This is number 24. Point at a tick to see the hymn; click it to open that hymn.
NO. 24 · ISAAC WATTS · THIS HYMN In vain the wealthy mortals toil
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