43. It will take a period of about a week of years.
44. This is my judgment and the arrangements made for it. I have shown this to you alone."
45. I replied: "I said before, Lord, and I say now: Privileged are those now living who observe what you have commanded.
46. But what of those who were the subject of my prayer? Who is there of all the living who hasn’t sinned, or who among those who have been born hasn’t transgressed your covenant?
47. Now I see that the world to come will bring delight to few but torment to many.
48. The inclination to do evil grew in us. It alienated us and led us into corruption and the paths that lead to death. It showed us the way to damnation and removed us far from life—and this happened not to a few people but to nearly all who were created."
49. He replied to me: "Listen to me, and I will instruct you and will advise you yet again.
50. Because of this the Most High made not one world but two.
51. Regarding what you said about the just being not many but few and the wicked being numerous, think about this:
52. If you have very few choice stones, will you add lead and clay to their number?"
53. I said, "Lord, who would do such a thing?"
54. He said to me, "Not only this, but ask the earth and it will inform you; flatter it and it will tell you.
55. Say to it: You create gold, silver, bronze, iron, and also lead and clay.
56. But silver is more numerous than gold, and bronze than silver, and iron than bronze, lead than iron, and clay than lead.
57. Decide yourself then which things are precious and desirable, what is abundant or what is rare."
58. I said, "Supreme Lord, that which is abundant is cheaper, because what is more rare is valuable."
59. He replied to me: "Reflect on what you have thought. One who has what is scarce rejoices more than one who has what is abundant.