51
Regarding what you said about the just being not many but few and the wicked being numerous, think about this:
52
If you have very few choice stones, will you add lead and clay to their number?"
53
I said, "Lord, who would do such a thing?"
54
He said to me, "Not only this, but ask the earth and it will inform you; flatter it and it will tell you.
55
Say to it: You create gold, silver, bronze, iron, and also lead and clay.
56
But silver is more numerous than gold, and bronze than silver, and iron than bronze, lead than iron, and clay than lead.
57
Decide yourself then which things are precious and desirable, what is abundant or what is rare."
58
I said, "Supreme Lord, that which is abundant is cheaper, because what is more rare is valuable."
59
He replied to me: "Reflect on what you have thought. One who has what is scarce rejoices more than one who has what is abundant.
60
So also will be the judgment I have promised. I will rejoice over the few who will be saved, because they are the ones who made my honor to prevail now and through whom my reputation is celebrated.
61
I will have no regrets over the multitude who perish, for they are even now like vapor, the equivalent of flame or smoke; they burn and flare up and are quenched."