4 Maccabees 8:21

21 Let's take seriously the fact that, if we disobey, we are dead men!

4 Maccabees 8:21 In-Context

19 Men and brothers, shouldn't we be afraid of what these instruments can do and carefully consider the threats of torture? We should run away from our useless beliefs and from our pride that will lead to our destruction!

20 Let's have compassion on our youth, and show pity for our mother's old age as well.

21 Let's take seriously the fact that, if we disobey, we are dead men!

22 Divine justice will not blame us because we were afraid of the king and his power over us.

23 So why should we deprive ourselves of this pleasant life and cheat ourselves out of this sweet world?