4 Maccabees 8:17

17 "O wretches that we are and so senseless! Since the king has summoned and exhorted us to accept kind treatment if we obey him,

4 Maccabees 8:17 In-Context

15 But when they had heard the inducements and saw the dreadful devices, not only were they not afraid, but they also opposed the tyrant with their own philosophy, and by their right reasoning nullified his tyranny.

16 Let us consider, on the other hand, what arguments might have been used if some of them had been cowardly and unmanly. Would they not have been the following?

17 "O wretches that we are and so senseless! Since the king has summoned and exhorted us to accept kind treatment if we obey him,

18 why do we take pleasure in vain resolves and venture upon a disobedience that brings death?

19 O men and brothers, should we not fear the instruments of torture and consider the threats of torments, and give up this vain opinion and this arrogance that threatens to destroy us?