2 Esdras 8:13-15

Revised Standard Version

¹³ Thou wilt take away his life, for he is thy creation; and thou wilt make him live, for he is thy work. ¹⁴ If then thou wilt suddenly and quickly^[a] destroy him who with so great labor was fashioned by thy command, to what purpose was he made? ¹⁵ And now I will speak out: About all mankind thou knowest best; but I will speak about thy people, for whom I am grieved,