2 Esdras 8:46-48

Revised Standard Version

Ezra’s Final Appeal for Mercy

⁴⁶ He answered me and said, “Things that are present are for those who live now, and things that are future are for those who will live hereafter. ⁴⁷ For you come far short of being able to love my creation more than I love it. But you have often compared yourself^[a] to the unrighteous. Never do so! ⁴⁸ But even in this respect you will be praiseworthy before the Most High,