4 Maccabees 2:12

12 It takes precedence over love for children, so that one punishes them for misdeeds.

4 Maccabees 2:12 In-Context

10 For the law prevails even over affection for parents, so that virtue is not abandoned for their sakes.
11 It is superior to love for one's wife, so that one rebukes her when she breaks the law.
12 It takes precedence over love for children, so that one punishes them for misdeeds.
13 It is sovereign over the relationship of friends, so that one rebukes friends when they act wickedly.
14 Do not consider it paradoxical when reason, through the law, can prevail even over enmity. The fruit trees of the enemy are not cut down, but one preserves the property of enemies from marauders and helps raise up what has fallen.
New Revised Standard Version Bible, copyright 1989, Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved.