2 Esdras 5:12

12 At that time people shall hope but not obtain; they shall labor, but their ways shall not prosper.

2 Esdras 5:12 In-Context

10 and it shall be sought by many but shall not be found, and unrighteousness and unrestraint shall increase on earth.

11 One country shall ask its neighbor, "Has righteousness, or anyone who does right, passed through you?' And it will answer, "No.'

12 At that time people shall hope but not obtain; they shall labor, but their ways shall not prosper.

13 These are the signs that I am permitted to tell you, and if you pray again, and weep as you do now, and fast for seven days, you shall hear yet greater things than these."

14 Then I woke up, and my body shuddered violently, and my soul was so troubled that it fainted.