1He answered me and said: The Most High made this world for the sake of many, but the world to come for the sake of few.
2But I will tell you a parable, Esdras. Just as, when you ask the earth, it will tell you that it gives much clay for making earthen vessels, but little dust for making gold.
3So also is the course of the present world. Many were created, but few will be saved.
4I answered and said: Then drink reason, O my soul, and devour knowledge, O my heart.
5For you came into the world without your will, and you depart against your will, for you were given to live only a short space of time.
6O Lord, who was over us, allow your servant to pray before you, and give us seed for the heart and cultivation of understanding.
7That from it may come fruit, by which every mortal who has the likeness of man may live.
8For you are the only one, and we are a single work of your hands, as you have said.
9And just as now the body is formed in the womb and you give it members, your creation is preserved in fire and water.
10And for nine months the work of your hands bears your creation that was created in it.