1Then the angel who had been sent to me, whose name was Uriel, answered and said to me:
2Your understanding has completely failed regarding this world, and do you think you can comprehend the ways of the Most High?
3And I said: Yes, my lord. And he answered: I was sent to show you three ways, and to set before you three parables.
4If you can solve one of them for me, I will also show you the way you desire to see, and teach you whence comes the evil heart.
5And I said: Speak, my lord. And he said to me: Go, weigh for me the weight of fire, or measure for me a measure of the wind, or bring back for me the day that has passed.
6I answered: Who among those born could do this, that you ask me such things?
7And he said to me: If I had asked you how many dwellings are in the midst of the sea, or how many springs are at the source of the deep, or how many ways are above the firmament.
8Or what are the exits of paradise, perhaps you would have said to me: I have never gone down into the deep, nor into hell, nor have I ever ascended into heaven.
9But now I have asked you only about fire, wind and the day through which you passed, things without which you cannot live, and you have not answered me about them.
10And he said to me: You cannot understand the things with which you grew up; how then could your mind comprehend the way of the Most High?