2 Esdras 7:20

20 Let many perish who are now living, rather than that the law of God which is set before them be disregarded!

2 Esdras 7:20 In-Context

18 The righteous therefore can endure difficult circumstances while hoping for easier ones; but those who have done wickedly have suffered the difficult circumstances and will not see the easier ones."
19 And he said to me, "You are not a better judge than God, or wiser than the Most High!
20 Let many perish who are now living, rather than that the law of God which is set before them be disregarded!
21 For God strictly commanded those who came into the world, when they came, what they should do to live, and what they should observe to avoid punishment.
22 Nevertheless they were not obedient, and spoke against him; they devised for themselves vain thoughts,
Revised Standard Version of the Bible, copyright 1952 [2nd edition, 1971] by the 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.