28
Think not on those who have lived wickedly in thy sight; but remember those who have willingly acknowledged that thou art to be feared.
29
Let it not be thy will to destroy those who have had the ways of cattle; but regard those who have gloriously taught thy law.
30
Be not angry with those who are deemed worse than beasts; but love those who have always put their trust in thy glory.
31
For we and our fathers have passed our lives in ways that bring death, but thou, because of us sinners, are called merciful.
32
For if thou hast desired to have pity on us, who have no works of righteousness, then thou wilt be called merciful.
33
For the righteous, who have many works laid up with thee, shall receive their reward in consequence of their own deeds.
34
But what is man, that thou art angry with him; or what is a corruptible race, that thou art so bitter against it?
35
For in truth there is no one among those who have been born who has not acted wickedly, and among those who have existed there is no one who has not transgressed.
36
For in this, O Lord, thy righteousness and goodness will be declared, when thou art merciful to those who have no store of good works."
37
He answered me and said, "Some things you have spoken rightly, and it will come to pass according to your words.
38
For indeed I will not concern myself about the fashioning of those who have sinned, or about their death, their judgment, or their destruction;