2 Esdras 8:26-40
-
26 O look not upon the sins of thy people; but on them which serve thee in truth.
-
27 Regard not the wicked inventions of the heathen, but the desire of those that keep thy testimonies in afflictions.
-
28 Think not upon those that have walked feignedly before thee: but remember them, which according to thy will have known thy fear.
-
29 Let it not be thy will to destroy them which have lived like beasts; but to look upon them that have clearly taught thy law.
-
30 Take thou no indignation at them which are deemed worse than beasts; but love them that always put their trust in thy righteousness and glory.
-
31 For we and our fathers do languish of such diseases: but because of us sinners thou shalt be called merciful.
-
32 For if thou hast a desire to have mercy upon us, thou shalt be called merciful, to us namely, that have no works of righteousness.
-
33 For the just, which have many good works laid up with thee, shall out of their own deeds receive reward.
-
34 For what is man, that thou shouldest take displeasure at him? or what is a corruptible generation, that thou shouldest be so bitter toward it?
-
35 For in truth them is no man among them that be born, but he hath dealt wickedly; and among the faithful there is none which hath not done amiss.
-
36 For in this, O Lord, thy righteousness and thy goodness shall be declared, if thou be merciful unto them which have not the confidence of good works.
-
37 Then answered he me, and said, Some things hast thou spoken aright, and according unto thy words it shall be.
-
38 For indeed I will not think on the disposition of them which have sinned before death, before judgment, before destruction:
-
39 But I will rejoice over the disposition of the righteous, and I will remember also their pilgrimage, and the salvation, and the reward, that they shall have.
-
40 Like as I have spoken now, so shall it come to pass.