2 Esdras 7:5

5 If anyone wants to go to the sea to see it or to rule over it, how can he come into the broad place unless he passes through the narrow?

2 Esdras 7:5 In-Context

3 I said, "Speak, my Lord." He said to me: "A certain sea is set in a spacious place so that it can be deep and vast,

4 but its entrance is set in a narrow place, like a river.

5 If anyone wants to go to the sea to see it or to rule over it, how can he come into the broad place unless he passes through the narrow?

6 Another instance: A city is built and positioned on a broad plain, full of all good things.

7 Its entrance, however, is narrow and located on a precipice so that there is fire on the right and deep water on the left.