10. And I said, It is so, Lord. Then said he to me, Even so also is Israel’s portion.
11. Because for their sakes I made the world: and when Adam transgressed my statutes, then was decreed that now is done.
12. Then were the entrances of this world made narrow, and sorrowful and toilsome: they are but few and evil, full of perils, and charged with great toils.
13. For the entrances of the greater world are wide and sure, and bring forth fruit of immortality.
14. If then they that live enter not these strait and vain things, they can never receive those that are laid up for them.
15. Now therefore why you disquiet yourself, seeing you are but a corruptible man? and why are you moved, whereas you are but mortal?
16. and why have you not considered in your mind that which is to come, rather than that which is present?
17. Then answered I and said, O Lord that bear rule, behold, you have ordained in your law, that the righteous should inherit these things, but that the ungodly should perish.
18. The righteous therefore shall suffer strait things, and hope for wide: but they that have done wickedly have suffered the strait things, and yet shall not see the wide.
19. And he said to me, You are not a judge above God, neither have you understanding above the Most High.
20. Yes, rather let many that now be perish, than that the law of God which is set before them be despised.
21. For God straitly commanded such as came, even as they came, what they should do to live, and what they should observe to avoid punishment.
22. Nevertheless they were not obedient to him; but spoke against him, and imagined for themselves vain things;
23. and framed cunning devices of wickedness; and said moreover of the Most High, that he is not; and knew not his ways:
24. but they despised his law, and denied his covenants; they have not been faithful to his statutes, and have not performed his works.