2 Esdras 8:15

15 Now therefore, Lord, I will speak: Concerning man in general Thou knowest best; but concerning Thy people, for whose sake I am sorry,

2 Esdras 8:15 In-Context

13 And Thou shalt mortify it as Thy creature, and quicken it as Thy work.

14 If therefore Thou shalt destroy him which with so great labor was fashioned, it is an easy thing to be ordained by Thy commandment that the thing which was made might be preserved.

15 Now therefore, Lord, I will speak: Concerning man in general Thou knowest best; but concerning Thy people, for whose sake I am sorry,

16 and for Thine inheritance, for whose cause I mourn, and for Israel, for whom I am heavy, and for Jacob, for whose sake I am troubled;

17 therefore will I begin to pray before Thee for myself and for them, for I see the failings of us that dwell in the land.