A villanelle on the 3rd Commandment.
I shall not despise God’s holy Word
or preaching from the pulpit
but hold it sacred as it’s heard.
On the Sabbath I’m free as a bird
to gladly hear and learn it.
I shall not despise God’s holy Word.
I shall never think His Word absurd
lest I fall into Satan’s pit
but hold it sacred as it’s heard.
By His Word I have been transferred
into His kingdom, says Holy Writ.
I shall not despise God’s Holy Word.
It is rest from sin to which I look forward,
so skipping the Sabbath’s Word I ne’er permit
but hold it sacred as it’s heard.
God made the day for me by His Word
so that His grace He might emit.
I shall not despise God’s Holy Word
but hold it sacred as it’s heard.
The Lutheran Column 