4 Maccabees 2:13

13 It comes before the affection for friends, and it challenges them if they are doing evil.

4 Maccabees 2:13 In-Context

11 It exercises control over a husband's love for his wife so that he corrects her if she ignores the Law.

12 It rules love for children by punishing them when they do wrong.

13 It comes before the affection for friends, and it challenges them if they are doing evil.

14 Don't think it's strange that clear thinking should have control over hatred between enemies. Because of the Law, we don't cut down an enemy's orchard in war, but instead we try to keep an enemy's property safe from destruction and help rebuild what has fallen down.

15 clear thinking even keeps the more violent emotions in check, like the thirst for power, desire for glory, pride, self-importance, and jealousy.