18
For it would be irrational if we, who have lived in accordance with truth to old age and have maintained in accordance with law the reputation of such a life, should now change our course
16
But Eleazar, as though more bitterly tormented by this counsel, cried out:
17
"May we, the children of Abraham, never think so basely that out of cowardice we feign a role unbecoming to us!
18
For it would be irrational if we, who have lived in accordance with truth to old age and have maintained in accordance with law the reputation of such a life, should now change our course
19
become a pattern of impiety to the young, in becoming an example of the eating of defiling food.
20
It would be shameful if we should survive for a little while and during that time be a laughing stock to all for our cowardice,
Revised Standard Version of the Bible, copyright 1952 [2nd edition, 1971] by the Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved.