2 Esdras 7:63

63 For it would have been better if the dust itself had not been born, so that the mind might not have been made from it. and gracious, because he is gracious to those who turn in repentance to his law;

2 Esdras 7:63 In-Context

61 And I will not grieve over the multitude of those who perish; for it is they who are now like a mist, and are similar to a flame and smoke -- they are set on fire and burn hotly, and are extinguished." Therefore there shall not be grief at their destruction, so much as joy over those to whom salvation is assured."

62 I replied and said, "O earth, what have you brought forth, if the mind is made out of the dust like the other created things! I answered and said, "I know, O Lord, that the Most High is now called merciful, because he has mercy on those who have not yet come into the world;

63 For it would have been better if the dust itself had not been born, so that the mind might not have been made from it. and gracious, because he is gracious to those who turn in repentance to his law;

64 But now the mind grows with us, and therefore we are tormented, because we perish and know it. and patient, because he shows patience toward those who have sinned, since they are his own works;

65 Let the human race lament, but let the beasts of the field be glad; let all who have been born lament, but let the four-footed beasts and the flocks rejoice! and bountiful, because he would rather give than take away;