2 Esdras 8:30-40

30 Do not be angry with those who are deemed worse than wild animals, but love those who have always put their trust in your glory.
31 For we and our ancestors have passed our lives in ways that bring death; but it is because of us sinners that you are called merciful.
32 For if you have desired to have pity on us, who have no works of righteousness, then you will be called merciful.
33 For the righteous, who have many works laid up with you, shall receive their reward in consequence of their own deeds.
34 But what are mortals, that you are angry with them; or what is a corruptible race, that you are so bitter against it?
35 For in truth there is no one among those who have been born who has not acted wickedly; among those who have existed there is no one who has not done wrong.
36 For in this, O Lord, your righteousness and goodness will be declared, when you are merciful to those who have no store of good works."
37 He answered me and said, "Some things you have spoken rightly, and it will turn out according to your words.
38 For indeed I will not concern myself about the fashioning of those who have sinned, or about their death, their judgment, or their destruction;
39 but I will rejoice over the creation of the righteous, over their pilgrimage also, and their salvation, and their receiving their reward.
40 As I have spoken, therefore, so it shall be.

Footnotes 2

  • [a]. Syr Ethiop: Meaning of Lat uncertain
  • [b]. Syr: Meaning of Lat uncertain
New Revised Standard Version Bible, copyright 1989, Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved.