IV Maccabees 2:20

20 For if reasoning did not possess the power of subduing angry affections, he would not have spoken thus.

IV Maccabees 2:20 In-Context

18 For the temperate mind is able, as I said, to be superior to the passions, and to transfer some, and destroy others.

19 For why, else, does our most wise father Jacob blame Simeon and Levi for having irrationally slain the whole race of the Shechemites, saying, Cursed be their anger.

20 For if reasoning did not possess the power of subduing angry affections, he would not have spoken thus.

21 For at the time when God created man, He implanted within him his passions and moral nature.

22 And at that time He enthroned above all the holy leader mind, through the medium of the senses.