2 Esdras 16:51-67

Common English Bible

⁵¹ so justice will be enraged against sin when it tries to make itself beautiful, and will accuse it to its face since he who defends will come, hunting up sins on the earth. ⁵² Therefore, don’t be like it or its ways.

⁵³ Look, just a little longer and sin will be removed from the earth and justice will rule over us. ⁵⁴ Let sinners not deny that they have sinned, for God will burn coals of fire over the head of those who say, “I haven’t sinned before God and his glory.” ⁵⁵ Look, the Lord knows all the works of humanity, their devices, their plotting, and their hearts. ⁵⁶ He said, “Let the earth be made,” and it was made; “Let heaven be made” and it was made. ⁵⁷ At his word the stars were established, and he knows their number. ⁵⁸ He examines the abyss and its treasuries. He measures the sea and its contents. ⁵⁹ He shut up the sea in the midst of the waters and suspended the earth over the waters by his word. ⁶⁰ He stretched out the heaven like a vaulted ceiling and sank its pillars into the waters. ⁶¹ He put springs of water in the desert and lakes on the tops of mountains to send forth rivers from on high so that the earth might drink. ⁶² He formed the human being and put a heart in the middle of his body and gave him spirit, life, and intelligence ⁶³ and the breath of God almighty, who made all things and examines the things that are hidden in dark corners. ⁶⁴ He certainly knows your designs and what you think in your hearts.

How terrible it will be for those who sin and want to hide their sins. ⁶⁵ The Lord will certainly examine all their works and will put you all on parade. ⁶⁶ You will be put to shame when your sins are paraded before people; your own sins will stand up as your accusers on that day. ⁶⁷ What will you do? How will you hide your sins before God and his glory?