I'd rather have Jesus than silver or gold,
I'd rather be his than have riches untold,
I'd rather have Jesus than houses or land,
I'd rather be led by his nail-scarred hand...

Than to be the king of a vast domain, or be held in sin's dread sway,
I'd rather have Jesus than anything this world affords today.

I'd rather have Jesus than men's applause,
I'd rather be faithful to his dear cause,
I'd rather have Jesus than world-wide fame,
I'd rather be true to his holy name...

Than to be the king of a vast domain, or be held in sin's dread sway,
I'd rather have Jesus than anything this world affords today.

He's fairer than lilies of rarest bloom,
He's sweeter than honey from out of the comb,
He's all that my hungering spirit needs,
I'd rather have Jesus and let him be...

Than to be the king of a vast domain, or be held in sin's dread sway,
I'd rather have Jesus than anything this world affords today, this world affords today.