4 Maccabees 2:12-14

New Revised Standard Version Updated Edition

¹² It overrules love for children so that one punishes them for misdeeds. ¹³ It is sovereign over the relationship of friends so that one rebukes friends when they act wickedly. ¹⁴ Do not consider it paradoxical when reason, through the law, can prevail even over enmity. The fruit trees of the enemy are not cut down, but one preserves the property of enemies from marauders and helps raise up what has fallen.^[a](A)