4 Maccabees 1:5-7

New Revised Standard Version Updated Edition

⁵ Some might perhaps ask, “If reason rules the passions, why is it not sovereign over forgetfulness and ignorance?” Their attempt at argument is ridiculous!^{(A) 6} For reason does not rule its own passions but those that are opposed to justice, courage, and self-control,^[a] and it is not for the purpose of destroying them but so that one may not give way to them.

⁷ I could prove to you from many and various examples that reason^[b] is absolute ruler over the passions,^(B)