2 Maccabees 2:29-31

Common English Bible

²⁹ Just as the builder of a new house must give thought to the foundation of the whole, so also the one attempting to paint and decorate must investigate what is suitable for its own decoration. This I think also applies to us. ³⁰ The duty of the first author of the history is to occupy the ground, to explore the subject fully, and to inquire closely into the details in particular. ³¹ The one retelling the shorter version should be allowed to pursue conciseness of expression and to be excused from an exhaustive treatment of the matter.