2 Esdras 8:30-38

Common English Bible

³⁰ Don’t be angry at those who are esteemed lower than animals, but love those who have constantly hoped to honor you.

³¹ We and those before us have followed ways that lead to death, but it’s on account of us sinners that you are said to be merciful. ³² If you desire to have pity on us who have no good deeds to our credit, then you will be called compassionate. ³³ The righteous who have many works laid up with you will receive a reward for their own works. ³⁴ What are human beings that you should be angry with them, or a corrupt race that you should be irate with them? ³⁵ In truth, no one born has not violated your commands, and no one who grew up has not sinned. ³⁶ But this shows your goodness, Lord, when you have pity on those who have no stockpile of good works.