2 Esdras 3:28-36

Common English Bible

²⁸ “I said then in my heart, Are the lives of Babylon’s inhabitants any better? Is that why Babylon has gained dominion^[a] over Zion? ²⁹ But when I came here, I saw their countless godless acts. I have seen many sinners during these thirty years.^[b] Then my heart failed, ³⁰ because I saw how you sustain these sinners and have spared those who act without giving you a thought. I saw how you destroyed your people and preserved your enemies, ³¹ and haven’t given anyone any clue as to how to make sense of these ways.^[c] Does Babylon do better than Zion? ³² Has any other nation known you besides Israel? What tribes have believed your covenants as have these tribes of Jacob, ³³ whose reward hasn’t appeared and whose labor hasn’t borne fruit? I have traveled widely among the nations and seen them enjoying abundance while not giving your commandments a thought. ³⁴ Now then put our sins on one side of a pair of scales, and put the sins of those who live in the world on the other side. Let’s see then which way the scales tip. ³⁵ When have those who live on earth not sinned in your sight, or what other nation has observed your commandments as has ours? ³⁶ You will find individuals who have kept your laws, but nations you will not find.”