2 Esdras 7:20
King James VersionSource notes
“For there be many that perish in this life, because they despise the law of God that is set before them.”
Context
17Then answered I and said, O Lord that bearest rule, thou hast ordained in thy law, that the righteous should inherit these things, but that the ungodly should perish.
18Nevertheless the righteous shall suffer strait things, and hope for wide: for they that have done wickedly have suffered the strait things, and yet shall not see the wide.
19And he said unto me. There is no judge above God, and none that hath understanding above the Highest.
20For there be many that perish in this life, because they despise the law of God that is set before them.
21For God hath given strait commandment to such as came, what they should do to live, even as they came, and what they should observe to avoid punishment.
22Nevertheless they were not obedient unto him; but spake against him, and imagined vain things;
23And deceived themselves by their wicked deeds; and said of the most High, that he is not; and knew not his ways: