The Greatest of These is Love

The First Stone

I
They said the woman was found in adultery
There wasn't any mention of the man
The law was very clear
She had everything to fear
From the time the proceedings began
They brought her to stand before Jesus
This poor woman who was all on her own
And they knew that he knew what he should do
If she was guilty, he should throw the first stone
If she was guilty, he should throw the first stone

II
The woman looked over at Jesus
She was hoping that he would understand
And she wished that she knew
What he was going to do
As he started writing in the sand
Then he spoke to the men there assembled
In what must have been a most demanding tone
Before you begin, if you're without sin
Then you can throw the first stone
Then you can throw the first stone

III
One by one they departed
And soon they all made their way home
The bold and the brave
Had faces to save
And not one had dared lift a stone
Then he asked her did no one condemn her
Did not even one take the floor?
And when she replied, He said neither do I
Go on your way and sin no more
Go on your way and sin no more

IV
So the next time your feeling self-righteous
And you think that you've made it on your own
And once again you're ready to condemn
From a heart as cold as stone
You must forgive those who trespass against you
The sinner you may never disown
So before you begin, if you're without sin
Then you can throw the first stone
Then you can throw the first stone