3 Maccabees 3:22-24

New Revised Standard Version, Anglicised

²² But in their innate malice they took this in a contrary spirit, and disdained what is good. Since they incline constantly to evil, ²³ they not only spurn the priceless citizenship, but also both by speech and by silence they abominate those few among them who are sincerely disposed towards us; in every situation, in accordance with their infamous way of life, they secretly suspect that we may soon alter our policy. ²⁴ Therefore, fully convinced by these indications that they are ill disposed towards us in every way, we have taken precautions so that, if a sudden disorder later arises against us, we shall not have these impious people behind our backs as traitors and barbarous enemies.