15
So, Ezra, why are you upset and disturbed by the thought that you are mortal and must die?
16
Why don't you think about the age to come, rather than the present age?"
17
I answered, "Lord and master, in your Law you said that the righteous would receive all these blessings, but that the wicked would perish.
18
The righteous then can endure all the difficulties of this narrow way because they look forward to the broad and open life of the future, but the wicked must pass through the narrow way without any hope of seeing the broad open life."
19
The angel replied, "Do you think you are a better judge than God? Do you think you are wiser than God Most High?
Scripture taken from the Good News Translation - Second Edition, Copyright 1992 by American Bible Society. Used by Permission.