45
No, O Lord who art over us! But spare thy people and have mercy on thy inheritance, for thou hast mercy on thy own creation."
46
He answered me and said, "Things that are present are for those who live now, and things that are future are for those who will live hereafter.
47
For you come far short of being able to love my creation more than I love it. But you have often compared yourself to the unrighteous. Never do so!
48
But even in this respect you will be praiseworthy before the Most High,
49
because you have humbled yourself, as is becoming for you, and have not deemed yourself to be among the righteous in order to receive the greatest glory.
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.