2 Esdras 8:4-6

Common English Bible

⁴ I replied: “Therefore, take delight^[a] in understanding, my soul, and drink your fill of knowledge.^{[b] 5} You came into the world^[c] unwillingly,^[d] and against your will you depart, and you are given but a little while to live. ⁶ Lord above us—if you will permit your servants to pray before you—give us seed for the heart and cultivation for the understanding that there may be fruit from which every mortal who bears the form of a human being may live.