4 Maccabees 1:31

31 Self-control means having control over your desires.

4 Maccabees 1:31 In-Context

29 But clear thinking, like an expert gardener, pulls out the weeds, trims, supports, waters, and cares for the plants in every way. So it tames the jungle of habits and emotions.

30 clear thinking is the guide of moral character, but it has full power over the emotions. Consider first the way in which clear thinking shows that it is supreme over the emotions through the exercise of self-control.

31 Self-control means having control over your desires.

32 Some desires come from the inner person, and others come from the body. clear thinking obviously has control over both.

33 Otherwise, how is it that when we are attracted by foods that we aren't allowed to eat, we can walk away from the pleasure that we would get from them? Isn't it because clear thinking is in control over our desires? I think so.