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;
39
but I will rejoice over the creation of the righteous, over their pilgrimage also, and their salvation, and their receiving their reward.
40
As I have spoken, therefore, so it shall be.
41
"For just as the farmer sows many seeds upon the ground and plants a multitude of seedlings, and yet not all that have been sown will come up in due season, and not all that were planted will take root; so also those who have been sown in the world will not all be saved."
42
I answered and said, "If I have found favor before thee, let me speak.
43
For if the farmer's seed does not come up, because it has not received thy rain in due season, or if it has been ruined by too much rain, it perishes.