3
For when he was young and in his prime for intercourse, by his reason he nullified the frenzy of the passions.
4
Not only is reason proved to rule over the frenzied urge of sexual desire, but also over every desire.
5
Thus the law says, "You shall not covet your neighbor's wife or anything that is your neighbor's."
6
In fact, since the law has told us not to covet, I could prove to you all the more that reason is able to control desires. Just so it is with the emotions that hinder one from justice.
7
Otherwise how could it be that someone who is habitually a solitary gormandizer, a glutton, or even a drunkard can learn a better way, unless reason is clearly lord of the emotions?
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.