2 Esdras 7:20

20 For there be many that perish in this life, because they despise the law of God that is set before them.

2 Esdras 7:20 In-Context

18 Nevertheless the righteous shall suffer straitened things and hope for wide; for those who have done wickedly have suffered the straitened things, and yet shall not see the wide."

19 And He said unto me. "There is no judge above God, and none that hath understanding above the Highest.

20 For there be many that perish in this life, because they despise the law of God that is set before them.

21 For God hath given strict commandment to such as came, what they should do to live, even as they came, and what they should observe to avoid punishment.

22 Nevertheless they were not obedient unto Him, but spoke against Him and imagined vain things,