Old Testament

New Testament

4 Maccabees 2:4-8 Common English Bible (CEB)

4. Clear thinking isn’t just being able to have control over strong sexual urges but over every other desire as well.

5. So the Law says, "You will not desire your neighbor’s wife or anything that belongs to your neighbor."

6. Since the Law commanded us not to desire, I should be able to convince you even more that clear thinking is able to control desires.This also proves true in the case of emotions that prevent justice.

7. It is obvious that clear thinking is in charge of the emotions—otherwise, how could someone who always indulges in binge eating in private, or a person who tends to overeat, or a person who tends to get drunk, learn a better way?

8. As soon as people who love money decide to live according to the Law, they are forced to change their way of life, lending to those who ask without charging interest and canceling all debts in the seventh year.

Read complete chapter 4 Maccabees 2