1
Our father Eleazar's clear thinking was like a skilled captain, steering the ship of godly living over the sea of the emotions.
2
Although the tyrant's storms beat against the ship and the powerful waves of torture crashed over its decks,
3
Eleazar kept the rudder of godly living straight until he sailed into the harbor of immortal victory.
4
No city under siege and attacked by every kind of cleverly devised machine has ever held out like that completely holy man did. Torture and racks ravaged his holy soul, but he conquered his opponents by using clear thinking to protect his commitment to godliness.
5
Our father Eleazar made his mind up so it was like an overhanging cliff that broke the raging waves of the emotions.
6
Eleazar, you are a priest who is worthy of the office. You didn't pollute your teeth; you didn't contaminate your stomach by eating the forbidden foods. Your stomach had room only for godly behavior and purity.