2 Esdras 8:30-32

Revised Standard Version

³⁰ Be not angry with those who are deemed worse than beasts; but love those who have always put their trust in thy glory. ³¹ For we and our fathers have passed our lives in ways that bring death;^[a] but thou, because of us sinners, are called merciful. ³² For if thou hast desired to have pity on us, who have no works of righteousness, then thou wilt be called merciful.