4 Maccabees 3:4

4 None of you can completely eliminate meanness, but clear thinking can fight alongside you so that you don't have to give in to your cruel tendencies.

4 Maccabees 3:4 In-Context

2 None of us can eliminate that kind of emotion, but clear thinking makes it possible for us not to be slaves to our emotions.

3 None of you can eliminate anger from your soul, but clear thinking can help you deal with your anger.

4 None of you can completely eliminate meanness, but clear thinking can fight alongside you so that you don't have to give in to your cruel tendencies.

5 clear thinking does not uproot the emotions, but it is their opponent.

6 This can be shown more clearly by the story of when King David was thirsty.