2 Esdras 8:30-32

New Revised Standard Version, Anglicised

³⁰ Do not be angry with those who are deemed worse than wild animals, but love those who have always put their trust in your glory. ³¹ For we and our ancestors have passed our lives in ways that bring death;^[a] but it is because of us sinners that you are called merciful. ³² For if you have desired to have pity on us, who have no works of righteousness, then you will be called merciful.