1
He answered me and said, "The Most High made this world for the sake of many, but the world to come for the sake of few.
2
But I tell you a parable, Ezra. Just as, when you ask the earth, it will tell you that it provides very much clay from which earthenware is made, but only a little dust from which gold comes; so is the course of the present world.
3
Many have been created, but few shall be saved."
4
I answered and said, "Then drink your fill of understanding, O my soul, and drink wisdom, O my heart!
5
For not of your own will did you come into the world, and against your will you depart, for you have been given only a short time to live.
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.