The Wisdom of Solomon 12:19-22

[19] Through such works you have taught your people
that the righteous man must be kind,
and you have filled your sons with good hope,
because you give repentance for sins.
[20] For if you did punish with such great care and indulgence
the enemies of your servants and those deserving of death,
granting them time and opportunity to give up their wickedness,
[21] with what strictness you have judged your sons,
to whose fathers you gave oaths and covenants
full of good promises!
[22] So while chastening us you scourge our enemies
ten thousand times more,
so that we may meditate upon your goodness when we judge,

and when we are judged we may expect mercy. 

IMAGE: Gustave Moreau, King Solomon (1885)