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 the destroyers and helps raise up what has fallen.
15
It is evident that reason rules even the more violent emotions: lust for power, vainglory, boasting, arrogance, and malice.
16
For the temperate mind repels all these malicious emotions, just as it repels anger -- for it is sovereign over even this.
17
When Moses was angry with Dathan and Abiram he did nothing against them in anger, but controlled his anger by reason.
18
For, as I have said, the temperate mind is able to get the better of the emotions, to correct some, and to render others powerless.
Revised Standard Version of the Bible, copyright 1952 [2nd edition, 1971] by the 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.