Second Baruch

And the Lord answered and said to me:

You have rightly been astonished concerning

the departure

of human beings.

But you have not well

judged

concerning the evils that befall those who sin,

and in that you said that the righteous are snatched away and the wicked prosper.

And in that you said that no one

knows

your judgment.

Therefore, hear, and I will speak to you,

and listen to me, and I will cause you to hear my words.

Rightly would not have known

a son of

man my judgment, if he had not received the Law,

and if I had not instructed him

with understanding.

Now, however, because while knowing,

he transgressed,

therefore, while knowing, he shall also be tormented.

And concerning the righteous, of whom you said that on their account

came

this world,

yet indeed, that which is to come is also on their account.

For this world is for them a contest

and a labor

with much weariness.

And that which is to come, therefore, is a crown in great glory.