4 Maccabees 2:6-8

New Revised Standard Version Updated Edition

⁶ In fact, since the law has told us not to covet, I could prove to you all the more that reason is able to control desires.

Just so it is with the passions that hinder one from justice. ⁷ Otherwise how could it be that someone who is habitually a solitary eater, a glutton, or even a drunkard can learn a better way, unless reason is clearly lord of the passions?^{(A) 8} Thus, as soon as one adopts a way of life in accordance with the law, even though a lover of money, one is forced to act contrary to natural ways and to lend without interest to those who plead for assistance and to cancel the debt when the seventh year arrives.^(B)