2 Esdras 8:45-47

New Revised Standard Version, Anglicised

⁴⁵ Surely not, O Lord^[a] above! But spare your people and have mercy on your inheritance, for you have mercy on your own creation.’

Ezra’s Final Appeal for Mercy

⁴⁶ He answered me and said, ‘Things that are present are for those who live now, and things that are future are for those who will live hereafter. ⁴⁷ For you come far short of being able to love my creation more than I love it. But you have often compared yourself^[b] to the unrighteous. Never do so!