2 Esdras 8:56

56 For when they had the opportunity to choose, they despised God Most High, had contempt for his Law, and refused to follow his ways.

2 Esdras 8:56 In-Context

54 All suffering has been taken away, and the treasure of immortality is at last revealed.

55 "So don't ask any more questions about the large number of people who are lost.

56 For when they had the opportunity to choose, they despised God Most High, had contempt for his Law, and refused to follow his ways.

57 In addition, they mistreated the righteous servants of God.

58 They even said to themselves that there was no God, although they knew that they must die.