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 race that comes to tragic bitter end.

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.

How blind are we apart from thee, our great all-seeing Lord;
Oh, grant us light that we may know the things we can’t afford.

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