Don't find fault with the man who limps

or stumbles along the road

Unless you have worn the shoes he wears

or struggled beneath his load.



There may be tacks in his shoes that hurt

though hidden away from view

Or the burden he bears...placed on your back,

might cause you to stumble too.



Don't sneer at the man who's down today

unless you have felt the blow

That caused his fall or felt the shame

that only the fallen know



You may be strong, but still the blows

that were his...if dealt to you

In the selfsame way at the selfsame time

might cause you to stagger too.



Don't be too harsh with the man who sins

or pelt him with word or stone

Unless you are sure...so very sure

that you have no sins of your own



For you know...perhaps if the tempter's voice

should whisper as softly to you

As it did to him...when he went astray

could cause you to falter too