1
And why is it amazing that the desires of the mind for the enjoyment of beauty are rendered powerless?
2
It is for this reason, certainly, that the temperate Joseph is praised, because by mental effort he overcame sexual desire.
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."
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.