2 Esdras 8:29-31

New Revised Standard Version, Anglicised

²⁹ Do not will the destruction of those who have the ways of cattle, but regard those who have gloriously taught your law.^{[a] 30} Do not be angry with those who are deemed worse than wild animals, but love those who have always put their trust in your glory. ³¹ For we and our ancestors have passed our lives in ways that bring death;^[b] but it is because of us sinners that you are called merciful.