2 Esdras 8:24-34

24 Hear your servant's voice and listen to my request, the request of one whom you formed, and listen to my words.
25 But me! I will speak as long as I live, and while I still have understanding, I will respond.
26 Don't pay attention to your people's sins but to those who have served you in truth.
27 Don't consider those who do evil by sinning but those who have kept your covenants in the midst of torments.
28 Don't think about those who have conducted themselves wickedly in your presence but of those who have made it their purpose to know what it means to revere you.
29 Don't set your mind to destroy those who have lived as mindlessly as cows, but look on those who showed forth your glorious Law.
30 Don't be angry at those who are esteemed lower than animals, but love those who have constantly hoped to honor you.
31 We and those before us have followed ways that lead to death, but it's on account of us sinners that you are said to be merciful.
32 If you desire to have pity on us who have no good deeds to our credit, then you will be called compassionate.
33 The righteous who have many works laid up with you will receive a reward for their own works.
34 What are human beings that you should be angry with them, or a corrupt race that you should be irate with them?

Footnotes 1

  • [a]. Lat had the ways of cattle
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