2 Esdras 8:36
King James VersionSource notes
“For in this, O Lord, thy righteousness and thy goodness shall be declared, if thou be merciful unto them which have not the confidence of good works.”
Context
33For the just, which have many good works laid up with thee, shall out of their own deeds receive reward.
34For what is man, that thou shouldest take displeasure at him? or what is a corruptible generation, that thou shouldest be so bitter toward it?
35For in truth them is no man among them that be born, but he hath dealt wickedly; and among the faithful there is none which hath not done amiss.
36For in this, O Lord, thy righteousness and thy goodness shall be declared, if thou be merciful unto them which have not the confidence of good works.
37Then answered he me, and said, Some things hast thou spoken aright, and according unto thy words it shall be.
38For indeed I will not think on the disposition of them which have sinned before death, before judgment, before destruction:
39But I will rejoice over the disposition of the righteous, and I will remember also their pilgrimage, and the salvation, and the reward, that they shall have.