4 Maccabees 9:2-4

Common English Bible

² We would be a disgrace to our parents if we didn’t maintain our commitment to the Law and to Moses our chief advisor. ³ You, tyrant, advise lawless behavior. In your hatred for us, don’t pity us more than we pity ourselves! ⁴ We consider your pity, which offers safety at the cost of breaking our Law, to be more bitter than death.